The current crisis in the Middle East remains at centre stage. The death and destruction continues and the international community still appears to be paralyzed in reaching a consensus on what to do. The UN Secretary General has been pleading with Security Council members to call for an immediate ceasefire and allow for a framework that would ensure a sustainable ceasefire. The US, supported by Canada and the UK, seem to be reluctant to support this move, delaying any possible end to the hostilities. In the meantime, thousands of civilians on both sides are being killed, injured and displaced.

It is deeply troubling that Stephen Harper has been unwilling to grasp the magnitude of this tragedy and acknowledge that the continuation of this irrational bombardment benefits noone, certainly not Israel or Lebanon. There have been some who have argued for Israel’s right to defend itself and used this argument to justify the continuation of this crisis. However, I believe that this position is short-sighted. It is not about Israel’s right to defend itself; it is about how it goes about doing so. Continued military aggression can not be useful or effective and can only embolden extremism and radicalization, not to mention injuring thousands of civilians along the way. How can anyone, after watching such disturbing images, object to a call for cease-fire?

For the sake of global stability, for the sake of peace in the Middle East and for the sake of combating extremism, the international community, including Canada, must take a leadership role in advocating for non-military options to resolve this conflict. This crisis is a tragic reminder that as long as we continue to ignore the injustices and grievances that are being experienced in the Middle East, on a daily basis, there can be little certainty and stability in that region.

Two days ago, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of my neighbouring MP, Wajid Khan, as his special advisor to South Asia and the Middle East. This was a surprising move but one that has perhaps been planned for months. I am waiting to see how this relationship unfolds, but please forgive me if I seem skeptical about the future of this relationship or the role that Mr. Khan will be able to perform. I will reserve judgment for now; however, my radar is picking up some questionable signals.