Saud Stories

      I saw part of William Sampson's lengthy and painful press conference today, and it was stunning listening to this man's appalling tale of injustice. Like Maher Arar, this man deserves justice, though I suspect he won't get it. Between the Arar, Sampson and Kazemi cases, it seems Canada should fast become the plaintiff in a trial of international criminality. Worse, there are more people-- as Sampson has noted-- we haven't even heard about.

      This blog finds all of these stories horrifying, not just in terms of the travesties that occur in them, but also because of the extent of indifferent international cover-up. I don't think we'll ever get the truth from any of the countries involved (Iran, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United States), but I cannot help but feel the American gesture the most insidious, because at least the other countries did their own dirty work. Inter arma enim silent leges: In time of war the law falls silent. (One wonders how George W. Bush, after claiming that "The advance of freedom is the calling of our time," would respond were Maher Arar to confront him at a press conference.) Sadly, the American attitude toward international law has been damnable recently.

      (This blog is aware that it may seem to be exhibiting the stereotypical Canadian mannerism of anti-Americanism. In rebuttal, this blog should say this: Canada has a series of very serious grievances with the United States of late, none of which seem likely to be addressed. And, frankly, Canada has damned good reasons to be pissed. Word to Dubya and his legion: remember who your friends really are. Picking petty squabbles with Canada, France and Germany makes about as much sense as pissing in your own soup.)

“Those who would sacrifice a little freedom for temporal safety deserve neither to be safe or free.”
      --- Benjamin Franklin