Canada to open Baghdad embassy in mid-2006

[leftchick]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20051027/wl_canada_afp/canadairaqdiplomacy_051027185456

OTTAWA (AFP) - Canada will begin staffing a new embassy in Baghdad by mid-2006 as a sign of support for Iraq's new government, officials said, despite ongoing turmoil in the fledgling democracy.

"It's important for the stability of the country, but also for the region, and ultimately for the world," Canada's acting ambassador to Iraq John Holmes told Canadian media.

"We wanted to send a signal that we support the transition and the development of democracy in Iraq."

Canada closed its Iraq embassy in 1990 after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait. The diplomatic vacancy was filled, of sorts, in June when Holmes was appointed to act as ambassador to both Iraq and Jordan, but work from Jordan.

The new Canadian embassy compound, once the home of a Baathist party member, is located in the so-called international green zone. It will be reinforced to resist bomb blasts and renovated to accommodate staff who will live and work onsite

[The Crazy Canadian]

1. We should stay out of Iraq.

It's to early to move in. The country is going to break out in civil war and it's already happening on a small scale. It's just going to be another target for suicide bombers.

[leftchick]

2. I agree

This is insanity. It won't be long before the US is doing a Saigon redux 2007 in Iraq....

[Cha]

7. Red Flags went up all over

the place when I read that.

We'll see what really happens.

[3trievers]

9. thanks

Letters and email from me until they drop this nonsensical idea. We don't need an influx of fanatics because of this illegal war.Probably never works but I feel great every time I get involved in a just cause.

[CHIMO]

3. It's As Good As Gold

Do you agree with Condoleezza Rice's assertion that the word of the United States is 'as good as gold'?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/GIS.Servlets.Page/document/polls/pollResults?id=36738&pollid=36738&save=_save&show_vote_always=no&poll=GAMFront&hub=Front&subhub=VoteResult

So just image what Canada's word is worth! AKA might is right. (Please say you will negotiate)

[INdemo]

4. Ya,But its getting to the point where China will have most of the gold...

[CHIMO]

5. But

Gold is now worth only eight cents on the dollar.

[enigma000]

6. There comes a time to choose a side

Up until now its been war and occupation, then a "selected" Iraqi regime, followed by an "elected" Iraqi government. Eventually its incumbent upon us to drop the quotation marks.

If a freely Iraqi government is elected in December, does it not compel us to recognize it and aid it in any possible way? Should Canada not use its moral authority as a respected Middle Power to recognize a democratically elected government? Especially since it has relations with such outstanding moral examples as Iran and Saudi Arabia?

[CHIMO]

11. Sort Of A redundant Red Herring

Of course we recognize governments We recognize the US.

It is not based on whether it is free and who decides whether it is free. It recognizes the country as an entity speaking as their country.

If Iraq is a safe country and has foreign forces on their land and they wish to have that, then they will be recognized as such.

We recognize dictatorships and others as the US does.

[enigma000]

12. I wasn't trying to setup a Red Herring

Its just that the Iraqis could use ties to countries that sympathize with their plight and that can help them.

[CHIMO]

13. Well

I agree. And most countries would come to the same conclusion, in my opinion.

There is a requirement to recognize entities. Even if they be a bully. There needs to be a means of communicating. How one interprets that communication is left to the parties.

My point was that it is not based on being defined as a democracy.

Just look at Iran now. They have chosen to shit on Canada and now they will not get any help. So although a country may be recognized, if they don't co-operate then it all comes home to roost.

[Spazito]

8. We'll see when it is closer to mid-2006, at this point it is

simply words. I certainly will be discouraging any embassy opening until the US is out of there and the situation is safe which, in 2006, neither is likely.

[callady]

10. Canada to set up outpost to protect resources

in the sands of Mesopotamia. Imperialism in khakis.

Won't work.