Saudi dispute explained

What prompted the dispute?

The dispute arose because of a tweet issued by Canada’s Global Affairs Ministry decrying the detention of two female bloggers and activists and urging Saudi authorities to free the two women — one of whom was Samar Badawi, sister of jailed blogger Raif Badawi — as well as “all peaceful human rights activists.”

The Saudi Foreign Ministry took exception to the wording of the tweet, calling it an attempt by Canada to interfere with the country’s internal affairs.

What’s affected?

The true impact of Saudi Arabia’s flexing of diplomatic muscle is still unclear. The decision to freeze new trade agreements could threaten Canada’s $15-billion arms deal that includes providing armoured vehicles to the kingdom. Travel to the country will affected.

What’s the response been so far, abroad?

The United States said Tuesday that both Canada and Saudi Arabia are “close partners” of the U.S., and asked the Saudi government for more information of the detention of several activists.

The European Commission said it’s seeking news about the arrest of the activists.

Who is Dennis Horak and where is he now?

The displaced Canadian ambassador has a lengthy diplomatic career. Prior to his appointment to Riyadh in 2015, Horak was head of mission in Iran for the then Foreign Affairs Ministry. He was director of its Middle East Relations Division from 2012 to ’15. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland would only say that he was doing fine.