When the Canadian government is labelled racist by Iran, it follows that we have done something right. Quite apart from racism, the Canadian government has demonstrated principled moral leadership in its decision to close its embassy in Iran and expel Iranian diplomats from Canada. In response to Canada’s decision, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that “The hostile behaviour of the current racist government in Canada in reality follows the policies dictated by the Zionists…and the British.”
There are cogent reasons for Canada to further isolate Iran. These include, among other things, Iran’s support of the capricious regime in Syria; its nuclear program; its reprehensible human rights record; its naked anti-Semitism and hostility toward Israel; and its support of terrorist organizations and activities across the globe. But there is a further reason why Canada’s closure is significant, and that is timing. Canadian policy on Iran is out front of the international consensus, and in acting based on principle, Canada’s policy may well shape a new international consensus.
The critical variable in this line of analysis is influence. The relevant question is: in which capacity Canada can exert more influence on global affairs? Policy option one is keeping the handful of diplomats in Iran and continuing to engage with the rogue state directly. This strategy has had very limited effect. Option two is exiting Iran and undertaking to persuade like-minded countries to do the same in an effort to further isolate the regime. It is naïve—and practice tells us also wrong—to presume that Canada can exert meaningful influence on Iran directly. Canada lacks the leverage to accomplish its objectives. On the other hand, Canada’s decision to further isolate the Iranian regime is a principled stand and demonstration to others in the international community that Iran’s conduct should not be tolerated in the community of civilised nations. Canada’s audience, then, shifts from the Iranian regime directly to other states.
Canada’s goal should be to influence those we can influence—and construct policy based on Canadian values. Our country’s stand on this issue functions as a precedent for other countries to follow. Canadians should be rightly proud of a government that exercises this sort of leadership on the international stage.