Once every generation or so, nations are given the opportunity to redefine who they are in the global community.
For Canada, our time has arrived. It has come in the midst of a national tragedy in the striking down of the Ukrainian Airline over Tehran.
Now that the Iranian leadership has admitted responsibility and remorse for the accidental shooting down of the airplane, Canada has a unique opportunity to turn a tragedy into something positive with potential long term benefits for many peoples and nations. In response to this event, Canada has few options for seeking redress. However, I would suggest that we use this event to not only acknowledge the loss of our Canadian citizens but to also maximize the remorseful tone of the Tehran regime to open up new avenues of diplomatic conversation.
If Canada took this opportunity to ask the Iranian government for two things: financial compensation for the victims’ families and the re-establishment of the Canadian Embassy in that nation, we might then become the first Western nation in years to re-establish diplomatic ties with Iran. This might help to forge a new path forward towards a more peaceful Middle East for all her peoples.
Such an act of reconciliation could give Canada the opportunity to become a key player in forging new alliances for peace in the region in the future. Perhaps we could invite other nations and moderate groups from all major religions in this part of the world to establish a Centre for Peace.
This might help to deescalate the tensions in the region and take seriously the very need for dialogue and compromise towards a better future for the people of the Middle East.
Surely the common people in the Middle East, who are often the innocent victims in proxy wars and conflicts, could use a moderate voice like that of Canada to help create new energy and new momentum to build a more prosperous and peaceful decade ahead.
If Canada were to take such a bold move, this might be a lasting positive legacy for the Canadian victims on that ill fated flight over Tehran.
It would also provide our nation with an active role to play in one of the most conflicted parts of the world over the last many decades.
Ed Lewis
Qualicum Beach