Latest from Michael Petrou
Opinion
It would be immoral for Canada to leave its ISIS members in Syria
Abandoning the Kurds is a longstanding Western tradition. But must we really add to this betrayal by sticking them with the worst of Canada?
Opinion
Defeating ISIS in Mosul is a victory for Iraq. The challenge will be making it last: Michael Petrou
While ISIS ruled by terror, it drew some support from Sunnis who felt abandoned by a government in Baghdad, which they believed discriminated against Sunnis and cared only for Shias. It's these people that Iraq must now bring onside if it is to have any hope of maintaining control.
Opinion
Canada should join its closest allies and return to Afghanistan: Michael Petrou
Progress in Afghanistan will be measured in generations. And long-term progress requires long-term commitments. Giving up on Afghanistan avoids confronting just how long it often takes to end insurgencies.
Opinion
What does Canada get out of restoring diplomatic ties with Iran?: Michael Petrou
We will see more convenient travel for Iranian Canadians and their relatives, certainly, and the possibility of modest trade and business deals down the road. That might be enough for Trudeau's government, and if it is, he should say so.
Opinion
No decent politician should profess to be shocked by the latest chemical attack in Syria
What's caused refugees to flee Syria is shocking. But for those who have allowed it to happen, the only appropriate response is shame.
Opinion
White House shift on a two-state solution could be enormously damaging to Israel
If statehood is off the table, and if Palestinians are told they will never have the same rights as Israelis with whom they share territory, what is left to negotiate for?
Opinion
Trudeau should spend his diplomatic capital on Syria
When Trudeau meets with President Donald Trump next week, a top priority should be persuading the American leader that Assad is not a viable partner in the fight against ISIS.
Opinion
With Donald Trump's victory, Assad has been given free rein in Syria
Whatever hope for peace Syria might have had became weaker with Trump's win, writes Michael Petrou.
Liberal MPs defend invitation list for Stéphane Dion roundtable on Iran
Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion met with selected Iranian Canadians last week to hear their views about the Canadian government's plan to re-engage with Iran. But two attendees say most of those invited were supporters of restoring diplomatic ties with Tehran, rather than critics of Iran's human rights abuses.
Iraqi army has been 'crushing' ISIS, Canadian general says
When Brig.-Gen. Greg Smith first touched down in Iraq in February to advise and assist the Iraqi army in its fight against Islamic State militants, he assumed that ISIS had the upper hand.