an opportunity that's knocking

Okay so the current government, specifically the ministries of defence and foreign affairs, do not want to get involved with the US mission in Congo. Thats fine it's their call not mine and I am certain there was a strategic reason why this decision was arrived at.

So how does Canada strengthen its international image after a shaky period including the Bernier affair, the denial of Canadian peacekeepers to the Congo mission and the continual debate over the mission in Afghanistan?

We probably cannot afford to send military personnel anywhere because of our current commitment to Afghanistan. Nor can we send someone equipment because we do not have the equipment for ourselves let alone anyone else. So what to do? What to do?

Well we do have a crusading election agency. And there is a sketchy election going on in Zimbabwe. A match made in heaven if there ever was one... and maybe a bit of payback by Stephen Harper for the overzealous actions of Elections Canada with the "in and out" issue.

Canada has a clean election record when it comes to its own processes. The structure may be sometimes contested but the reliability and accuracy of the results of our system are beyond question. Our government could easily take a leading role in garnering international support and pressure on Robert Mugabe's government to ensure that the run-off election scheduled for June 27 proceeds with much more clarity and accountability than the first attempt. While other nations have shown interest in the election, Canada could play a prominent role in this well-publicized situation and build on Canada's reputation for supporting good governance. Providing impartial election scrutineers and/or protection for the opposition candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, would be minor actions that would go along way to improving Canada's international image.

Now it would be imperative for anyone involved to make it clear that they are not trying to influence the election one way or another. Canada would be supporting fair electoral practices and not either of the political parties or their leaders.

There is strategic sense in pushing for such action. First of all, there can be no legitimate backlash against promoting good governance, so something like this would look well on Canada for image purposes. Secondly, Canada currently only has 171 peacekeepers acting abroad; a number that is way too low for a country that prides itself on its past participation and leadership in peacekeeping activities. These peacekeepers need not be military either. Police officers, Canadian NGO's and volunteers could all play a part in this without placing further strain on the Canadian forces. Lastly, this would further Canada's portfolio of international activities thus adding another positive dimension to any Canadian campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council.

I know I keep mentioning the upcoming selections for the non-permanent seats on the Security Council but I truely believe that Canada should fight tooth and nail for that seat, both for the gain of Canada and the rest of the world. And I believe that getting involved in a positive manner with the upcoming election in Zimbabwe would be a good step towards this. So... lets get off of our asses and make something happen.

- blenCOWe