Is Canada Now At War?

Canada’s Unsettling Shift: From Peacekeepers to Participants in Yemen Conflict

Image Source Pexel

Canada now finds itself entangled in a conflict far from its borders. The government has deployed operational personnel to Yemen to combat the Houthis in the Red Seas, following a request from the United States. This shift from the traditional role of peacekeepers is causing concern among citizens, who have always taken pride in the nation’s dedication to diplomatic resolutions. Navigating the complexities of armed conflict thousands of miles away marks a departure from Canada’s established identity as a mediator and global peace mediator.

The move also draws attention to the contrast with its relationship with Israel, a major non-NATO ally since 1987. While Israel has collaborated with NATO in various areas, such as technology and counterterrorism, it is not a NATO member, exempting it from the collective defense principle outlined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

Article 5 of NATO, states that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all members, triggering collective defense measures. This provision doesn’t apply to Israel, emphasizing the uniqueness of Canada’s involvement in the Yemen conflict.

One major concern among citizens is the potential deployment of boots on the ground and military vessels to the region, exposing the nation to security risks. The fear of being drawn into a distant conflict prompts many to question the necessity of such involvement, especially when the conflict does not directly threaten Canadian interests.

The ongoing events in the Red Seas and Gaza evoke sadness, with the loss of numerous lives in the crossfire between various factions. The destruction of Gaza and the attacks by groups like Hamas paints a grim picture of the region’s future, raising doubts about the effectiveness of military interventions in resolving complex geopolitical issues.

Prime Minister Trudeau faces the challenge of conveying a message to the country about this unexpected involvement in a distant conflict. The emphasis should be on the need for caution and reassurance that Canada will prioritize diplomatic solutions over military interventions whenever possible. The risks of voluntarily participating in foreign conflicts only add another layer of threats to Canadians and assets, which should not be underestimated.