Tag: Diplomatic Agenda
My time of torture in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib
Recently we have been hearing the word “torture” thrown about by politicians of the highest ranks and we never really stop to ask ourselves what that word truly means. What are the long-term effects of keeping a nation under constant threat of violence and intimidation? I have a horrifying tale to tell, and I hope […]
Costa Rica: Leading the world in renewable energy
People often ask me, why do Canadians and Costa Ricans get along so well? Answering this question could be an essay in itself. However, it is clear that our nations share many of the same values and aspirations, including democracy, rule of law, diverse and open societies, protection and advancement of human rights, constant investment […]
Norway invests in its own future
In a period when oil prices were high, Norway has been able to transform oil in the ground into financial wealth. Today, the Government Pension Fund Global is one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. By investing abroad, leaving capital in the fund untouched and limiting annual spending in the national budget to four […]
Saudi Arabia: ‘Solving conflicts by peaceful means’
Over the past year, there has been much talk in the media about the contract for General Dynamics Land Systems Canada to sell light armoured vehicles and provide training to the Saudi Arabia Royal Guard. There has also been a surge in misleading information about Saudi Arabia, which has been sensationalized and politicized by the […]
Turkey needs the international community’s help
The world is witnessing one of the biggest refugee crises since the Second World War and Turkey stands at the centre of it. Half of Syria’s population, approximately 12 million people, are displaced; and almost half of them seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as mine. Turkey did not stay indifferent to the humanitarian tragedies taking place at its borders. It is hosting more than 2.7 million Syrians and 300,000 Iraqis. That […]
Russian offensive revives painful past for Estonians
I joined the Estonian foreign service in 1993, an exciting time for my country. On my first day, as I awaited my first assignment, a colleague suggested I find out how much military equipment the Russians had transported back over the border that month; this was prior to their full military withdrawal in August 2014. […]
The Pope embraces the natural world
Dear mother earth who day by day Unfoldest blessings on our way O praise God, alleluia! These words from the well-known hymn, “All Creatures of our God and King,” have their origin in The Canticle of Creation, authored by St. Francis of Assisi, and with words drawn from that canticle, Pope Francis begins the second […]
Cuba updates its economic model
The blockade by the United States on Cuba has negatively affected progress in my country. Although some do not want to admit it, the blockade has limited access to financing, technology, systems, infrastructure, software and applications. This was acknowledged by U.S. President Barack Obama’s announcement of investments in the telecommunications sector. That announcement alone […]
Colombia has a plan: How we negotiate with FARC
After many years of bad publicity, the news from Colombia in the international media is being framed in a much more positive light. At a time during which uncertainty and international crises abound, Colombia is, uncharacteristically, attracting good reviews. A strong economy, along with a dramatic reduction in the violence and insecurity that were present […]
Untapped Israel (now on tap)
On a late-summer day in front of Ottawa City Hall, thousands of beer lovers gathered to partake of one, two or several cold beverages. The atmosphere was just right. The sounds of great music and smells of good food filtered through the air. Originating from Peterborough, Perth, Kemptville and Stittsville and many places in between, […]
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