Carney’s Saudi Gambit Falls Apart Amid Hostilities

The timing of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Saudi Arabia couldn’t have been more ill-fated, coinciding as it did with the collapse of the US-Iran ceasefire. Canada’s charm offensive is being rapidly eclipsed by escalating violence in the Middle East.

At the center of this debacle are the complex and often fraught relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia. The two countries’ ties have been strained for years, with human rights concerns and disagreements over women’s rights at the forefront of tensions. Recent developments suggest Ottawa is attempting to pivot towards a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing economic interests over moral outrage.

The visit by Carney and Foreign Minister Anita Anand was meant to signify Canada’s renewed commitment to its relationship with Saudi Arabia. However, as they held high-level talks with their counterparts in Riyadh, war drums grew louder. The attacks on Saudi ships and Iranian drones have left no doubt that the region is once again teetering on the brink of chaos.

Canada finds itself in a delicate balancing act. Anand emphasized during her meeting with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud that Canada’s support for a permanent ceasefire remains unwavering. However, Thomas Juneau, a Middle East expert at the University of Ottawa, pointed out that Canada’s influence in the region is limited. “It is absolutely true that Canada, the United States, and our other allies have had a number of disagreements with Saudi Arabia over the years,” he noted.

Canada has been slow to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s economic reforms, despite significant advancements in women’s rights and economic liberalization. Jeffrey Steiner, of the Canada-Saudi Business Council, highlighted these “tremendous advancements.” However, the Trudeau government’s continued commitment to feminist foreign policy has sparked controversy with Saudi Arabia.

The ties between the two countries began to improve two years ago, but human rights issues and consular cases remain an obstacle. Dennis Horak, a former Canadian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, noted that this ongoing issue has hindered progress in relations.

Canada’s relationship with Saudi Arabia is not just about trade or security; it is also a test of its values. Juneau astutely observed, “The choice governments in Canada or elsewhere have to make is whether they accept Saudi Arabia as it is or try to change it, which will not work.” The resumption of hostilities has put Carney’s visit into perspective: this is not about charm or diplomacy; it’s about pragmatism and realpolitik.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Ottawa must decide whether to prioritize its values or economic interests. The choice won’t be easy, but it will have far-reaching consequences for both countries. Carney’s visit has been overshadowed by the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region. As the prime minister and his delegation prepare to return to Ottawa, they would do well to remember that in times of crisis, diplomacy is not just about charm; it’s about substance.

The Saudi government has made significant strides in women’s rights and economic liberalization over the past few years. However, these advancements often go unnoticed by the international community. The question remains: what does this mean for Canada-Saudi relations? Despite progress on women’s rights, human rights concerns remain a major sticking point in Canada-Saudi relations.

Canada is taking a pragmatic view towards Saudi Arabia, as suggested by Thomas Juneau. However, this approach raises questions about Ottawa’s commitment to its values. Is Canada willing to sacrifice its principles for economic interests?