Visit to Canada

The brand-new and much adored American president, Barack Obama, arrived yesterday in Canada with the sense that the international mission in Afghanistan must be reconsidered. While Ottawa has still committed itself military, the American president wants to insist more on development and diplomacy to put an end to extremism.

In an exclusive interview last night with the CBC network, Barack Obama conceded that the United States has not been focusing on Afghanistan, and were too wrapped up with the Iraq quagmire. That’s why he asked for a review of the approach in that country. “I am absolutely convinced that we can not settle the problem in Afghanistan, the Taliban the spread of extremism in that region solely by military means,” he said. “We’re going to have to use development, and my hope is that in conversations that I have with Prime Minister Harper, that he and I end up seeing the importance of a comprehensive strategy.

According to AFP, the president has authorized the deployment of 12,000 additional soldiers starting in the Spring. The international community should find the troops to replace the some 2800 Canadian solders that the Parliament has promised by a vote to pull out of Afghanistan by 2011. In an interview, the president claimed to be informed of the date, but he had made clear that it was important that “The [people of Canada] get a sense that what we’re doing is productive,” letting which wasn’t the case go unmentioned.

Before the president’s words were broadcast, the head of the Liberal party, Michael Ignatieff, got used to the echo. In Quebec he had declared that “We are a little lost in Afghanistan. […] We must regain a good strategy.” The liberal head’s circle didn’t miss the chance to emphasize that Mr. Igantieff has some connections into Barack Obama’s circle.

Mr. Obama will arrive in Obama tomorrow in 10:30 for what they qualify as a “work meeting.” At the airport, travel restrictions will be imposed between 10 and 6, notably a ban on private and non-commercial flights. No other air traffic will be authorized during the landing and takeoff of Air Force One.

Mr. Obama will discuss with Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a total of 40 minutes, will attend a “work lunch” together with ministers that Mr. Harper’s people refused to identify, then participate in a joint press conference where only four questions will be asked, and then will return to the airport to meet the liberal head before going home. The entourage of the prime minister threatened to cancel the press conference if journalists tried to pose additional questions during the photo-ops.

Protectionism on the Horizon

The economy and the environment will figure in the day’s discussions. Canadian businesses may not be completely relieved to hear the American president’s intentions. In the middle of the interview with the CBC, Mr. Obama had been invited to reassure Canadians on the impact of the “Buy American” clause contained in the recovery plan.

“My administration is committed to making sure that even as we take steps to strengthen the U.S. economy, that we are doing so in a way that actually over time will enhance the ability of trading partners, like Canada, to work within our boundaries.” He added that “where you have strong U.S. competitors who can sell products and services, that a lot of governors and mayors are going to want to try to find U.S. equipment or services,” but respecting their global trade obligations.

Finally, on the environmental question, the president doesn’t go on too much about Albertan oil-bearing sand, which some consider to be “dirty oil.” Yesterday, some environmental groups warned Ottawa against the American regulations that will limit the use of energies deemed “dirty” within a year.” “There will be a serious campaign in the United States and [Obama] will not be able to act as if there wasn’t a problem with Albertan oil-bearing sand. That will not be possible,” Steven Guilbault of Équiterre believes.

A Matter of Chemistry

The inner circle of the prime minister insists on the fact that the goal of the meeting is to establish a relationship “on a genuine personal basis.” The question is to know with whom, Stephen Harper or Michael Ignatieff, will the president have more of a natural chemistry.

If Obama shares with the prime minister the fact they’re both in their forties and share a role as the father of two young children, he sets himself apart himself by his inclusive approach, on his economic plan and interventionist leanings. On the other side, Michael Ignatieff shares a more centrist political family. He already has his gateways into the White House. At Harvard University, he bonded with Larry Summers, who today is the principal economic advisor to the president and Samantha Power, who sits on the National Security Council. The spouse of said individual, Cass Sunstein, also a friend, is sensed to go the White House.

Finally note that the prime minister has no intention of tackling the question of Omar Khadr with the American president. “That would be inappropriate,” Kory Teneycke outlined by saying that the young man has confronted accusations of murder and terrorism.