Image Credit: The Canadian Press

By Mel Rothenburger

ARMCHAIR MAYOR

ROTHENBURGER: On Iran, Trudeau should take a page from Jean Chretien’s book

Jan 8, 2020 | 4:20 AM

BACK IN 2003, President George W. Bush invaded Iraq, an act for which we continue to pay the price. Prime Minister Jean Chretien refused to join Bush in his ill-advised war, and was criticized for it.

Today, Chretien ‘s decision is recognized for what it was — a strong, wise move and a signal that every time the American elephant rolls over, Canada doesn’t have to jump.

Justin Trudeau would be smart to follow Chretien’s example in the wake of yesterday’s retaliation by Iran for Trump’s assassination of Iraqi general Soleimani.

What was the sociopath in the White House expecting? Did he really think Iran would allow its top military leader to be killed with impunity?

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And what does he do now? He seems to have backed off on his threat to attack cultural sites in Iran but he’s not the sort to de-escalate no matter the stakes.

Clearly, he hoped he could bully Iranians the way he tries to bully everyone else. He doesn’t even have the consent of the Senate or Congress, let alone the UN, but nothing will stop him from pursuing his egotistical vendetta.

Previous presidents had opportunities to go after Soleimani and didn’t due to tactical considerations. They knew “taking him out” opened the likelihood of escalation into war with Iran and chose discretion over valor.

Trump has no such common sense.

Canada does more than its fair share of heavy lifting in international conflicts and has nothing to prove. It would be absolute folly to line up with Trump on this one.

Let him stamp his feet and tweet his insults but Justin Trudeau would show true leadership if he gave early notice that Canada will not go along with his dangerous game.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

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Mel Rothenburger is a former mayor of Kamloops and newspaper editor. He writes five commentaries a week for CFJC Today, publishes the ArmchairMayor.ca opinion website, and is a director on the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board. He can be reached at mrothenburger@armchairmayor.ca.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.