Exclusive interview: The exiled Crown Prince of Iran
I don't think any nation's salvation depends on others. Israelis understand this better than anybody else. You only can count on yourselves and nothing else, but life becomes easier when you're not alone, that you have more help.
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I'm sure this is something that Lech Walesa had to face, Gandhi had to face, Nelson Mandela had to face. And eventually the world catches up. It is critical for people to tell us we're not alone in the fight.
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What is that strong leadership that could change the face of history? Trump? Depending on how he looks at it. Is he seeing this as a legacy that can change the face of the region? But this is not a real estate deal that he can cut with a regime that is very corrupt, right?
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So then we can divest from the region, putting America first, which is his slogan, but you cannot say America first and leave a mess behind. You want to have lasting stability, so that people in Riyadh or people in Jerusalem don't have to worry any longer about what Tehran is about to do or not.
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What do you see as Canada's role?
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It can take the moral approach of saying, they are on the side of the dissidents and the freedom-seeking people, and will not bow and bend to their oppressors. You are not facilitating our struggle for freedom by trying to approach a policy of appeasement and isolation, which hasn't worked.
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I think it's a message that Canada can loudly send to Iranians back home. Canada should ask the G20: Why aren't you listing the IRGC as a terrorist entity?
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Right now you have every time there's a fire, this or that government is dispatching a fire truck to go and put out the fire. But how many times has anyone bothered to go after the arsonist?
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I'm not running for any office or position, but I think that the trust that Iranians have in me puts me in a position that I can play that role for them, and that's exactly what I'm doing.
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They know my commitments to these democratic values. They actually asked me to intervene, because they think that I'm probably the best person playing that role for them right now. I'm not saying I'm the only one, and I'd like to work with everybody, but that puts me in a prime position to play that role.
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Winnipeg Free Press
8 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Recognizing a state, and making a point
Opinion Canada will recognize a state that does not exist. A state that may never exist. A state that has yet to meet the internationally accepted attributes of statehood: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and exercised sovereignty. This is Palestine. Palestine is not yet a reality, but Canada is recognizing another reality. The reality of war, hunger, hardship, and politics. Almost two years after the horrific Hamas massacre of Israelis and others on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel is locked into a grinding war of lethal attrition against Hamas in Gaza. No immediate ceasefire prospects and no clear end game by any of the protagonists except the destruction of the other exists. ABDEL KAREEM HANA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES A Palestinian boy carrying a plastic jerry can of water walks past buildings destroyed during Israeli air and ground operations in Gaza City on July 25. The most volatile neighbourhood in the world has seen more than 50 wars, insurgencies, coups, and rebellions of one sort or another since the end of the Second World War. The pattern is violently familiar and, therefore, depressingly inuring to most of us. Many expected Gaza to follow this same pattern. Israel's right to exist in peace and the monstrous scale of the Hamas terrorism gave it the legal and moral agency to strike back, hard. Retaliation by Israel would be harsh but somehow acceptable. Few shed any tears when key Hamas leaders were hunted down and eliminated. The tears came afterwards. The relentlessly dangerous and difficult task of eradicating a deeply embedded terrorist network in dense urban areas has meant more civilian casualties and visible suffering than much of the international community could stomach. With no end in sight. This is what prompted Prime Minister Mark Carney's momentous decision to recognize the State of Palestine during the next United Nations General Assembly this fall. 'The deepening suffering of civilians leaves no room for delay in co-ordinated international action to support peace, security, and the dignity of all human life', he said in a formal statement this week. There is something else, though. Canada has concluded that the Israeli government of Benjamin Netanyahu will never accept a two-state solution of a fully sovereign Palestine living side by side with Israel. This has been the bedrock foreign policy principle of Canada — and many other countries — for peace in the Middle East. Unwilling to dismiss this principled approach, the Canadian prime minister has decided to dismiss the Israeli prime minster's approach to the principle. 'Regrettably, this approach is no longer tenable', Carney said. 'Prospects for a two-state solution have been steadily and gravely eroded' he went on, listing four reasons, three of which identify Israeli actions, making clear where most of the blame resides. With zero influence over how Israel is prosecuting the war, Canada is joining other countries to influence what happens after the war. In that sense, Canada is remaining consistent with the United States. Not the U.S. of President Donald Trump but the U.S. of former president Joe Biden. One month into the war, in November 2023, the U.S. set out a 'day after the war' declaration for Gaza and Israel. Meant to prevent a wider conflict from erupting, that declaration stated: 'The United States believes key elements should include no forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. Not now. Not after the war. No use of Gaza as a platform for terrorism or other violent attacks. No reoccupation of Gaza after the conflict ends. No attempt to blockade or besiege Gaza. No reduction in the territory of Gaza.' Weekday Evenings Today's must-read stories and a roundup of the day's headlines, delivered every evening. This may yet come to pass, but it appears very far off right now. Politicians though live in the here and now. They see hunger lines in Gaza and become distressed. They read motions to annex the West Bank from the Israeli Knesset or statements by the Israeli prime minister to never agree to a fully fledged Palestinian state and become disturbed. They see no end in sight and are frustrated. All this is leaving Israel more politically isolated today than it was before Oct. 7. But it is also more militarily powerful, capable, and dominant in the region than ever before. And it has a fast friend in Donald Trump creating a superpower 'alliance of two' giving it more licence to act as it sees fit in Gaza and the region. It is doing so, and countries have taken notice. Short of declaring war, recognizing a governing entity, no matter how tenuous, as a sovereign state is as declaratory you can get in international relations. Canada, like France and Great Britain, is utilizing the entirely precedented and legal discretion it has under international law to unilaterally recognize another state. But doing so now, absent a negotiated peace settlement to create such a state, is not so much a diplomatic gesture of support for Palestinians, but a diplomatic rejection of Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank. For Canada, the momentous part is not breaking with international law by declaring its recognition of Palestine as a state but breaking with its own international tradition of allying with the U.S. on key international issues. Indeed, this decision signals a widening chasm with America. Trump wants 'to break us, so that America can own us', said Carney on election night. What he didn't say is that maybe Canada has to break with America first. David McLaughlin is a former clerk of the executive council and cabinet secretary in the Manitoba government.
Cision Canada
21 hours ago
- Cision Canada
G20 Labour and Employment Ministerial Meeting in South Africa: Minister Hajdu reinforces Canada's leadership
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Minister Hajdu also emphasized a number of domestic initiatives laying important groundwork for long-term progress to enforce equal pay for equal work, reduce the gender wage gap through Canada's first-of-its-kind pay transparency public website Equi'Vision, and build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities, relieving pressure on families. The Minister also highlighted Canada's support for initiatives brought forward by the presidency, including the G20 Nelson Mandela Bay Goal on Youth, which seeks to further reduce youth not in employment, education or training (NEET) rates by 5% by 2030; the G20 Brisbane-eThekwini Target, which aims to reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25% by 2030; and a new G20 target to reduce the gender wage gap by 15% by 2035, noting a review of the target in 5 years with the objective of considering a higher target as measurable progress is made. Strong partnerships mean stronger economies and more opportunities for workers and businesses. That is why Canada is strengthening partnerships and sharing expertise to advance common goals. On the behalf of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), Minister Hajdu announced the launch of an initiative called Green Growth – Empowering Youth for a Green Future, in partnership with SOS Children's Village Canada. This $7 million project will be implemented in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia to increase the economic participation and resilience of disadvantaged youth—particularly young women—by equipping them with the skills and support needed to thrive in the growing green economy. This initiative reflects Canada's commitment to inclusive education, sustainable development and youth empowerment across the region. Along side the G20 meetings, Minister Hajdu also met with her counterparts from Brazil, Germany, Ireland, Lesotho, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom to strengthen economic ties and share best practices to help workers adapt to a changing job market. Quotes "Building the strongest economy in the G7 means working together across borders and across generations. At the G20, we're tackling the challenges ahead, and securing opportunities that are essential to building a more inclusive, and resilient global economy. Canada is taking action to strengthen ties with our international partners for real, sustainable economic growth that leaves nobody behind." – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario Quick facts The G20 is the primary forum for international economic cooperation among the world's leading developed and emerging economies. The G20 comprises nineteen countries and two regional unions, representing over 85% of the world's GDP, over 75% of global trade, and more than 66% of the world's population. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, a horizontal initiative involving 12 federal departments and agencies, received an additional $351.2 million in 2025-26. This investment will help create over 90,000 job placements for youth, with a growing focus on emerging sectors like green tech, AI, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing. As of 2024, Canada Service Corps is creating up to 20,000 new volunteer opportunities over three years focusing on equipping youth with meaningful skills and experience. The Canada-wide early learning and child care system is supporting the creation of 250,000 new spaces by 2026, with families of approximately 900,000 children already benefiting from affordable and quality child care across the country. Globally, 2.1 billion adults need remedial education for basic literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills, and 450 million youth are economically disengaged, with young women disproportionately affected. As a global leader in education, ranking as the 7th largest donor, Canada has invested more than $1.2 billion (7.4% of its Official Development Assistance) between 2022-23 and 2024-25 to support education for girls and displaced populations, including refugees, through multilateral, international and Canadian partners — balancing primary education with a growing focus on technical and vocational training (TVET) — which also strengthens Canada's economy, security, and international influence by fostering stable partners, new markets and shared values. Associated links Canada and the G20 G20 – South Africa 2025 Canada-South Africa relations Equi'Vision Follow us on Linkedin SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
Toronto Sun
2 days ago
- Toronto Sun
Canada's shifting stance on Palestinian statehood, explained
Published Jul 31, 2025 • 5 minute read Iranians wave the flags of Iran and Palestine as they march during a rally in solidarity with Palestinians and in condemnation of Israel and the U.S., after Friday prayers in Tehran, on July 25, 2025. Photo by AFP via Getty Images OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday his government intends to recognize a Palestinian state. Here's a closer look at why that's happening and what it all means. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The name Palestine has been attached to an area of the Middle East for centuries. Britain took control of the region after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. The U.K. endorsed calls by Jewish organizations to populate the area based on Jews' ancestral ties to the Middle East. The Zionist movement emerged as a response to centuries of violent persecution of Jews in Europe, up to and including the Holocaust. After Israel established itself as a country in 1948 in a war that displaced many Palestinians, it fought a series of battles with Arab nations over decades. At the end of the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel occupied three territories claimed by Palestinians. Canada and other nations consider that to be an illegal occupation. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Israel has control over East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians claim as the capital of a future state. In 1947, the UN called for the city to become a neutral, international city. The Palestinian Authority controls large parts of the West Bank through the Fatah party. Hamas, which Canada has listed as a terrorist group, has full control of Gaza. Neither territory has held an election since 2006 and polls by the anticorruption Aman Coalition think tank have found widespread concerns about corruption in both governments. Most of the UN's member states — 147 of 193 — recognize a Palestinian state, despite the split leadership. What is the two-state solution? Canada has for decades called for a 'two-state' solution _ a Palestinian state existing in peace alongside Israel. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Many countries support this idea as the best way to stop the cycle of violence and occupation. But some countries, including Iran, have said Israel should cease to exist and have funded groups like Hamas and Hezbollah to attack Israel. Israel says the Palestinian Authority has supported terrorists and has not clearly affirmed Israel's right to exist. It says Hamas poses an existential threat to the country. Those concerns intensified after the gruesome Hamas attack on Israel of Oct. 7, 2023, which saw the terror group and its affiliates kill 1,200 people. Israel's offensive in Gaza has killed 60,000 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. Israel says its aim is to rout Hamas and force it to return the hostages it took in the Oct. 7 attack. Many family members of the hostages have argued that the Israeli government has other motives. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Canada says Hamas can have no role in governing a State of Palestine. Canada and other nations have decried the spread of illegal settlements in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers have violently routed Palestinians from their homes — often with the support of the Israeli government. Why hasn't Canada recognized a Palestinian state already? For years, Ottawa suggested recognition would only come at the end of peace talks between Palestinian and Israeli leaders. But last November, the Liberals said Canada's recognition might come sooner because of the spread of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and the high death toll of Israel's bombardment in Gaza. In his announcement Wednesday, Carney said those factors, along with Hamas terrorism, have 'steadily and gravely eroded' the path toward a two-state solution. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. France vowed to recognize a Palestinian state last week, while the U.K. said it would be open to doing the same if Israel does not change its policies in Gaza. Ireland, Spain and Norway recognized Palestine in spring 2024. What did Carney announce? Prime Minister Carney said Wednesday that Canada intends to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. That would mean Palestine would go from having a special representative office in Ottawa, as Taiwan does, to a full embassy. Carney said Canada's move is 'predicated on the Palestinian Authority's commitment to much-needed reforms, including … general elections in 2026 in which Hamas can play no part, and to demilitarize the Palestinian state.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. University of Ottawa international affairs professor Thomas Juneau said it's not clear how Canada is assessing whether the Palestinian Authority has done enough. 'That's the right approach, but the progress that Prime Minister Carney mentioned is extremely ambitious, and it's also fairly vague,' he said. 'What kind of indications of progress in that direction does Canada want to see?' Does that mean an election in Gaza? Canada is only asking the Palestinian Authority for an election, which would take place in the West Bank. Ottawa's aim is for the Palestinian Authority to eventually have the legitimacy and capacity it needs to govern both the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas violently ejected Fatah from Gaza in 2007 and said Thursday it 'will not recognize Israel.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Israeli government officials have discussed working with local clans as part of a possible governance structure in Gaza that excludes Hamas. Some of the clans have been implicated in gang activity in Gaza. What does Israel say? Israel says that recognizing a Palestinian state only rewards Hamas for its violence and will inspire further attacks. It argues its actions in Gaza have been distorted by the outside world, something it blames in part on propaganda from hostile states. While Israel insists it has met its obligations on humanitarian aid, U.S. President Donald Trump and most major global organizations say Israel has allowed starvation to take hold in Gaza. Israel says it's also concerned about the Palestinian Authority supporting those who have committed violent attacks against Israel. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Palestinian Authority's delegation in Ottawa has said it's up to Palestinians alone to decide how they are governed, and blames Israel for policies it says have driven people to take up arms. Why don't Palestinians move elsewhere? Many Palestinians use the word Nakba or 'catastrophe' to refer to the establishment of Israel and their dispossession. Millions of Palestinians fled decades ago to refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian territories. Israel rejects calling these people refugees, saying they can integrate into other Arab societies. Many Palestinians say they refuse to be moved off their land, even if they face dire living conditions in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is governing in a coalition that relies on Jewish supremacist parties that have called for the displacement of Palestinians to other countries and the full annexation of the Palestinian territories. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Trump at one point endorsed vacating Gaza in order to make the area the 'Riviera of the Middle East.' Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has called for placing the entire population of Gaza in one city — something former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert described as 'a concentration camp.' Egypt has constructed a large barrier on its border with the Gaza Strip — in part because of concerns about the proximity of terror groups like Hamas and in part to keep Palestinians from being forcibly displaced into Egypt. Read More Canada World Toronto & GTA Canada Tennis
