How the NDP could further Mideast peace

Canada's New Democratic Party has a wonderful, storied past of standing up for human rights and creating positive social change. For this reason, it could become a credible voice for peace in the Middle East. Given the party's grassroots diversity, it is also in a remarkable position to positively advance and influence interfaith dialogue and strengthen efforts to eliminate anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination. On the world stage, standing up for the oppressed is desperately required and it was welcome news to note raised concern about the plight of the Uyghurs at the party's recent federal policy convention.

In the case of the Middle East however, the situation is complex, and credible evidence-based approaches are required to help mediate between the Palestinians and the Israelis. The party could be productive on this file if a more balanced and nuanced strategy was implemented to validate and encourage all sides to negotiate and resolve their long-standing disputes. Instead, what the general public is seeing is one-sided policy resolutions mainly siding with the Palestinians.

In the “Redefining Canada's place in the world” section of the party's convention policy book, a total of four out of 20 proposed resolutions (20 per cent) related to the Middle East question, more than any other issue. Despite the incredible human tragedy involving more than one-million Uyghurs imprisoned in labour camps in China, a resolution concerning that situation ranked eighth on the party's priority list, whereas “Justice and peace in Israel-Palestine” ranked second, and a more perturbing resolution “opposing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism” ranked sixth.

Given that one of the most pressing global issues is the plight of the Uyghur people, it is disheartening that their pleas for help are hierarchically lower than opposition to an internationally accepted definition of racism and discrimination against the Jewish people. While imperfect, the IHRA definition has been widely accepted by over 40 nations around the world, including our own government. It is the best tool civil society has to combat the rising scourge of anti-Semitism. It does not criminalize critique of Israel and acknowledges that fair criticism is welcomed.

The party adopted a resolution in favour of “ending all trade and economic co-operation with illegal settlements in Israel-Palestine” and “suspending the bilateral trade of all arms and related materials with the State of Israel until Palestinian rights are upheld.” Given the fact that most if not all Western nations oppose drastic measures of this nature, preferring to become credible brokers of peace, the NDP's hardline position against the Jewish state may limit its international influence and diplomacy.

More significantly, with the party's storied past of standing up for the oppressed, to hear suggestions of anti-Semitism within its ranks is alarming. Writing in the Globe and Mail about the policy convention, John Ibbitson surmised that this approach “will leave a residual concern over whether the party's criticism of Israel reveals anti-Semitism among at least some of its members.” Similarly, in the Times of Israel, Fred Maroun wrote that the NDP's “anti-Semitism problem was on full display” at its policy convention. However, many good people within the party are working diligently to curb this perception and shape a productive Mideast policy.

To create good and effective policy requires a sophisticated approach to emerging global issues. The world around us is rapidly changing, particularly given both impending threats to global order and new multilateral approaches. On the latter, political parties can strengthen policy and showcase complexity by recognizing for example, that the Middle East has changed.

Noting serious security, political and economic concerns involving the Palestinian Authority, Arab governments in the region are themselves paving a path to peace by recognizing Israel and working with both peoples equitably.

Moreover, credible international players are substantively concerned about increased international disorder that is diminishing human rights in general. Over the past 14 years, Freedom House has reported a marked decline in freedom and democracy on a global scale. Political parties working to address these findings should encourage a strengthening of projects and programs that advance the causes of peace and social justice.

The focus, in other words, must shift away from free and democratic nations to such dangerous regimes as Syria, Iran and North Korea, among others. The overly weighted focus on Israel in the NDP handbook coupled with limitations of time and resources, leaves out many pressing international human rights issues that could be addressed.

There is an encouraging, positive world emerging out of the ashes of war and conflict in the Middle East. The Abraham Accords have infused the region with incredible peace and understanding. This week, Israel celebrated its 73rd Independence Day to much fanfare. For the first time in its history, its Arab neighbours passionately congratulated the Jewish State. It's welcome news given that earlier in the week, Israel also held Remembrance Day events for its 23,928 soldiers and victims of terror who have been killed over its past seven decades.

Peace begets peace, and positive and collaborative energy is always more fulfilling and productive. Many of my readers may call me naïve, but I have always believed in all my work that a more positive and conciliatory approach, when possible, is the better way. That's why I believe the NDP can become a credible broker for peace.