Omar Khadr in his own words: The opening statement

Shortly after the U.S. military commission convened here at Guantanamo Bay US Naval Station, Canadian Omar Khadr, accused of various war crimes, was invited to read a statement he had prepared. The statement was later distributed to reporters here. It is written, in his own hand, with red ink and blue ink on a lined sheet of paper that is titled “Arabic-English language class”. (Khadr told the court, incidentally, he speaks English, Arabic, Farsi and Pashtun).

Here is what he wrote and I have left his punctuation, spelling, and strikeouts.

Your honor I'm boycotting this Military Commission because *firstly the unfairness and unjustice of it. I say this because not one of the lawyers I've had, or human right organization or any person ever say that this Commission is fair or looking for justice, but on the Contrary, they say its unfair and unjust and that it has been constructed to convict detainees not to find the truth (so how can i ask for justice from a process that does not have it or offer it) and to accomplish political and public goal and what I mean is when I was offered a plea bargain it was up to 30 years which I was going to spend only 5 years so I asked why the 30 years. I was told it make the US government look good in the public's eyes and other political causes.

*Secondly: The unfairness of the rules that will make a person so depressed that he will admit to alligations made upon him as take a plea offer that will satisfy the US government and get him the least sentence possible and ligitimize the sham process therefore I will not willingly let the US gov use me to fulfil its goal. I have been used to meny times when i was a child and that's why I'm here taking blame and paying for thing I didn't have a choice in doing but was told to do by elders.

*lastly, I will not take any plea offer or continue in this process because it will give excuse for the gov for torturing and abusing me when I was a child.

Omar Khadr V. U.S.A: The charges

A reminder, from the Charge Sheet, against Canadian Omar Khadr who would have been, at the time the acts with he is charged occurred, 15 years-old. No where on the charge sheet is his age or nationality noted:

Name of accused: Omar Ahmed Khadr

Aliases of accused: Akhbar Farhard, Akhbar Farnad, Ahmed Muhammed Khali

Name of Accuser: Tubbs II, Marvin W., Office of the Chief Prosecutor

Charge I: Violation of 10 USC, Murder in Violation of the Law of War:

In that Omar Ahmed Kahdr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an unlawful enemy combatant, did, in Afghanistan, on or about July 27, 2002, while in the context of and associated with armed conflict and without enjoying combatant immunity, unlawfully and intentionally murder U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Christopher Speer, in violation of the law of war, by throwing a hand grenade at U.S. forces resulting in the death of Sergeant First Class Speer.

Charge II: Violation of 10 USC 950t, Attempted murder in violation of the law of war

In that Omar Ahmed Khadr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an alien unlawful enemy combatant, did, in and around Afghanistan, between, on or about June 1, 2002, and on or about July 27, 2002, while in the context of and associated with armed conflict and without enjoying combatant immunity, attempt to commit murder in violation of the law of war, by converting land mines into improvised explosive devices and planting said improvised explosive devices in the ground with the intent to kill U.S. or coalition fences.

Charge III: Violation of the 10 USC 950v (b) (28) Conspiracy

In that Omar Ahmed Khadr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an alien unlawful enemy combatant, did, in and around Afghanistan, from at least June 1, 2002 to on or about July 27, 2002 conspire and agree with Usama bin Laden, Ayman al Zawahiri, Sheikh Sayeed al Masri, Saif al Adel, Ahmed, Sa'id Khadr (a/k/a Abu Al-Rahman Al-Kanadi) and various other members and associates of the al Qaeda organizatino, know and unknown and wilfullying join an enterprise of persons, to wit: al Qaeda, founded by Usama bin Laden, in or about 1989, that has engaged in hostilities against the United States, including attacks against the American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in August 1998, the attack against the USS Cole in October 2000, the attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, and further attacks, continuing to date against the United States; said agreement and enterprise sharing a common criminal purpose know to the accused to commit the following offenses triable by military commission: attacking civilians; attacking civilian objects; murder in violation of the law of war; destruction of property in violation of the law of war; and terrorism.

In furtherance of this agreement or enterprise, Omar Khadr knowingly committed overt acts, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. In or about June 2002, Khadr received approximately one month of one-on-one, private al-Qaeda basic training from an al Qaeda member named “Abu Haddi”, consisting of training in the use of rocket-propelled grenades, rifles, pistols, hand grenades and explosives.

2. In or about June 2202, Khadr conducted surveillance and reconaissance against the U.S. military in support of efforts to target U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

3. In or about July 2002, Khadr joined a group of Al Qaeda operatives and converted land mines to improved explosive devices and planted said improvised explosive devices in the ground where, baed on previous surveillance, U.S. troops were expected to be travelling.

4. In or about July 2002, Khadr attended one month of land mine training.

5. On or about July 27, 2002, Khadr engaged U.S. military and coalition personnel with small arms fire, killing two Afghan militia members.

6. Khadr threw and/or fired grenades at nearby coalition forces resulting in numerous injuries.

7. When U.S. forces entered the compound upon completion of the firefight, Khadr threw a grenade, killing Sergeant First Class Christopher Speer.

Charge IV: Violation of 10 USC 950 v(b) (25) Providing Material Support for Terrorism

Specification 1: In that Omar Ahmed Khadr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an alien unlawful enemy combatant, did, in and around Afghanistan, from at least June 2002 through on or about July 27, 2002, intentionally provide material support or resources to wit: personnel, himself, to al Qaeda, an international terrorist organization found by Usama bin Laden, in or about 1989 and known by the accused to be an organization that engages in terrorism, said al Qaeda having engaged in hostilities against the United States, including attacks against the American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in August 1988, the attack against the USS Cole in October 2000, the attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, and further attacks, continuing to date against the United states; said conduct taking place in the context of and associated with armed conflict.

.. [Repeats Items 1-7 of previous charge]

Specification 2: In that Omar Ahmed Khadr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an alien unlawful enemy combatant, did, in and around Afghanistan, from at least June 2002 through on or about July 27, 2002, intentionally provide material support or resources to wit: personnel, himself, to be used in preparation for, or carrying out an act of terrorism, that the accused knew or intended that the material support or resources were to be used for these purposes and that the conduct of the accused took place in context of and was associated with an armed conflict.

The accused provided material support for resources in support of acts of terrorism including but not limited to to the following:

[repeats item 1-7 of previous charge]

Charge V: Violation of 10 USE 950 v(b) (27) Spying

In that Omar Ahmed Khadr, a person subject to trial by military commission as an alien unlawful enemy combatant, did, in and around Afghanistan, in or about June 2002, collect certain information by clandestine means or while acting under false pretenses, information that he intended or had reason to believe would be used to injure the United States or provide an advantage to a foreign power; that the accused intended to convey such information to an enemy of the United States, namely al Qaeda or its associated forces; that the conduct of the accused took place in the context of and was associated with an armed conflict; and that the accused committeed any or all of the following acts; on at least on occasion, at the direction of of a known al Qaeda member or assocaited, and, in preparation for operations targeting U.S. forces, the accused conducted surveillance of U.S. forces and made notations as to the number and types of vehicles, distances between the vehicles, approximate speed of the convoy, time and direction of the convoys.

Spain, Alberta floods, cop charged with murder: Monday's A1 headlines and political daybook

Spain, Alberta floods, and an RCMP officer is charged with murder: Listen to my four-minute audio roundup of what's on the front pages of the country's newspapers plus highlights from Mondays political daybook by clicking on the link below.

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You can also get these audio summaries automatically every day via podcast from iTunes or via an RSS feed by subscribing to my AudioBoo stream. Both the iTunes link and the RSS link are at my profile at AudioBoo.fm. Lookin the top right corner of the “Boos” box.

Fab jobs data; Ontario's Eco-Sham; and new ferries: Saturday's A1 headlines and political daybook

EcoShame Fab jobs data; Ontario's Eco-Sham; and new ferries: Listen to my four-minute audio roundup of what's on the front pages of the country's newspapers plus highlights from Saturday's political daybook by clicking on the link below.

Listen!
You can also get these audio summaries automatically every day via podcast from iTunes or via an RSS feed by subscribing to my AudioBoo stream. Both the iTunes link and the RSS link are at my profile at AudioBoo.fm. Lookin the top right corner of the “Boos” box.

Canada jobs data blows away expectations; interest rate hike on the way?

A fabulous, unexpected jobs report from Statistics Canada today.

Bottom line: 93,000 new jobs created, including plenty in the private sector. Unemployment rate goes to 7.9 per cent, the first time it's been under 8 per cent since January of 2009.

Political implications: Obvious good news for the federal government — and many provincial governments — to trumpet. All those jobs lost during the recession have now been recovered. Makes it tougher for opposition parties anywhere to make the case for change if that case was predicated on mismanagement of the economy.

Reaction:

“The details were solid with gains split evenly between full-time and part-time … There’s no arguing with this strong report. The jobs picture clearly shows that the Canadian recovery hasn’t stalled yet, despite signs of slowing momentum in the U.S. and other economies. This strong report solidifies our call for the Bank of Canada to raise rates 25 bps on July 20.” – Benjamin Reitzes, BMO Capital Markets Economics

“Canada’s job machine showed no visible signs of slowing down in June, and as a result we’ve now recouped almost all the jobs that were lost during the recession… The bullish employment report provided a lift to the Canadian dollar this morning, while bonds sank after the data release.” – Krishen Rangasamy, CIBC World Markets

“This report put the icing on the cake for the labour market in the second quarter of 2010, which saw 226,000 jobs created in the three-month period. Since August of 2009, the economy has basically recovered the jobs lost during the worst of the recession, and the level of real GDP stood just 1% below its pre-recession peak in April . . . Conditions in Canada are much better than in many other countries, so the very stimulative level of interest rates is no longer warranted. ” – Dawn Desjardins, RBC Economics

“The 403,000 jobs created since July 2009 have brought Canada’s employment rate back nearly to where it was before the recession.” – Prince Owusu, Conference Board of Canada

Need A Job? Try Canada, Where Hiring Is Booming And Home Prices Are Rising” – Huffington Post

Election threat; Toronto cougars; A Lady Gag fan's sacrifice: Friday's A1 headlines and political daybook

Sun Lady Gaga Election threat; Toronto cougars; A Lady Gag fan's sacrifice: Friday's A1 headlines and political daybook Listen to my four-minute audio roundup of what's on the front pages of the country's newspapers plus highlights from Friday's political daybook by clicking on the link below.

Listen!
You can also get these audio summaries automatically every day via podcast from iTunes or via an RSS feed by subscribing to my AudioBoo stream. Both the iTunes link and the RSS link are at my profile at AudioBoo.fm. Lookin the top right corner of the “Boos” box.

VIDEO: Johnstons set to become Canada's next vice-regal couple

Prime Minister Stephen Harper Thursday praised his governor general designate David Johnston for his exemplary public service and distinguished academic record.
“David Johnston represents the best of Canada,” Harper said in a statement. “He represents hard work, dedication, public service and humility. I am confident he will continue to embody these traits in his new role as the Crown’s representative in Canada.” [Read more ..]

Governor General Designate David Johnston's opening statement

David Johnston and his family met reporters this morning in the foyer of the Senate. He took no questions (despite attempts by one reporter to get him to answer one) and delivered the following statement:

Bon matin.

Je suis très honoré d’avoir été nommé le prochain gouverneur général du Canada par Sa Majesté la Reine, sur la recommandation du Premier ministre. Cette grande responsabilité est une marque de confiance qui me touche profondément.

My wife and I have always believed that service – whether it is to family, community, university, or country – is our highest calling. And so we are proud to have this opportunity to serve Canada and my fellow citizens.

L’un des plus grands privilèges qui soit donné au gouverneur général est de faire connaissance avec des Canadiens et Canadiennes d’un océan à l’autre.

During my time at Waterloo and McGill I have had the good fortune to witness Canadians’ creativity and ingenuity, our strong ties to our communities and to the world, as well as our diversity and vitality. The opportunity to see these values at work across the country means a great deal to me.

La charge de gouverneur général est une institution importante, et nous ferrons tout en notre pouvoir pour combler les attentes des Canadiens et Canadiennes.

As the representative of The Queen of Canada, who is our country’s head of state, I pledge to be a stalwart defender of our Canadian heritage, of Canadian institutions, and of the Canadian people. In particular, I look forward to meeting with the brave men and women of the Canadian Forces.

Dans son livre sur Samuel de Champlain, intitulé Champlain's Dream, David Fisher parle du premier gouverneur du Canada dans les termes suivants :

« Si ce n’est que ça tout au long de sa vie il a fait preuve d’une vigueur et d’une endurance dont peu peuvent se targuer. Mais ça ne s’arrêtait pas là. Champlain était un rêveur, un visionnaire comme tant d’autres qui ont plein de rêves. De nombreux érudits ont traité du rêve qu’il avait d’un jour trouver la route vers l’Orient. D’autres ont discuté de son rêve en vue de coloniser la Nouvelle-France. But all these visions were part of a larger dream that has not been studied. This war-weary soldier had a dream of humanity and peace in a world of cruelty and violence. He envisioned a new world as a place where people of different cultures could live together in amity and concord. This became his grand design for North America. »

From Samuel de Champlain to Michaëlle Jean, all my predecessors have set a fine example for me to follow. And so I will be working hard over the next few months to prepare for my roles and responsibilities.   

The promises of Senator Neufeld; the peril for Prime Minister Harper

What will Prime Minister Stephen Harper do about Senator Richard Neufeld, plucked 18 months ago out of B.C. Premier's Gordon Campbell cabinet by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to become a member of the Senate of Canada?

Harper has appointed 34 senators and, whenever has named them, Conservatives have been very clear that each and every one of them is committed to two basic tenets of Senate reform: There should be term limits of eight years for senators and, someday, senators should be elected. The government introduced legislation earlier this year towards those goals.

But yesterday, Neufeld told Senators:

I am not sure that an elected Senate is the way to go. Obviously there need to be a few changes, but I do not think the election of senators is the top thing on my mind….

I have heard some people say that the Senate is too partisan, that we have to elect senators so that we do not have a partisan Senate. My goodness! Take a look at the other place or at any other legislature. Are they not partisan? Of course not.

I think we work well here. Do we have differences of opinion? Of course we do, but if we cannot sit down and talk them out, sometimes we agree to disagree. That is democracy and I do not mind that kind of democracy.

If Canadians actually want an elected Senate, they need to be told both sides of the story. I do not think you can just continue to rant about how terrible the Senate is without telling people what the Senate does, what it has done and the good work that it does.

Wandering so far afield from bedrock Conservative Party policy would, one assumes, bring immediate excommunication from the Conservative caucus.

But Harper must balance his desire to continue with a plurality in the Senate versus his desire to send a message to any other Conservative senators who have some newly independent ideas about Senate reform.

The Conservative senate caucus numbers 51, more than any other party, but two seats shy of a majority of 53 in the 105-seat Senate. The Liberals have 49 senators; the Progressive Conservative have two, two others are independent and there is one vacancy.

If Neufeld is out, there are 50 in caucus to the Liberal 49, still a plurality, but, unlike the Conservatives in the House of Commons, not every Conservative senator walks the party line. Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, for example, has some of his own ideas about the government's legislative package, including Senate reform.

Dumping Neufeld, then, would likely send a message about caucus solidarity but it could imperil the government's ability to do what it wants the Senate to do: rubber-stamp the government's legislation.

We have asked the PMO for its thoughts on Senator Neufeld's new ideas and have been told that, perhaps later today, we will hear something about that from Harper's office.

Harper and Ignatieff turn tough talk on China to diplomatic pablum

[A slightly longer version of my column appearing in today's Sun Media papers]

Who will speak truth to power when it comes to China?

Once, not so long ago, Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff did but no longer. For Harper, “the almighty dollar” he once vowed wouldn’t sway him is now shaping his diplomatic approach to China.

Ignatieff, in China this week, appears also to have changed his tone and now counsels against “megaphone diplomacy” when it comes to criticizing China on its appalling human rights record.

In 2006, both the newly minted prime minister and the newly minted Liberal MP were advocating an approach to China that differed from former prime minister Jean Chretien.

On his way to the 2006 APEC summit in Vietnam, Harper learned that a planned meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao had been abruptly cancelled, a move Harper’s aides chalked up to Harper’s determination to confront the Chinese leader on his country’s human rights record.

“I think Canadians want us to promote our trade relations worldwide, and we do that, but I don't think Canadians want us to sell out important Canadian values — our belief in democracy, freedom, human rights,” Harper said at the time. “They don't want us to sell that out to the almighty dollar.'

Earlier that year, in August, Ignatieff had told a reporter with the Vancouver independent weekly, The Georgia Straight, that were he to ever become prime minister, he would ask the Chinese leadership: “Do you really want to build your prosperity on slavery?”

Those are some tough words that have now been replaced by the polite blandishments of diplomatic pablum.

“We must be ready to speak plainly with one another about human rights, always understanding that neither of our countries has a flawless past or present, and always conscious of the vast differences in our respective histories, societies, and political cultures,” Ignatieff said this week in a speech at a university in Beijing. “Canada can contribute more to the development of human rights in China and to strengthening the rule of law through this array of people-to-people interactions, than by megaphone diplomacy.”

Harper, when I interviewed him last month ahead of President Hu’s state visit to Canada, had this to say: “There’s been a bit of an adjustment. This government took somewhat of a broader view of our relationship with China that a range of issues had to be considered, including some of the concerns that Canada has about aspects of China’s policies. We’ve made that transition and I think this will be a very productive relationship with the country going forward.”

Those were sweet words to lobby groups like the Canada China Business Council and the Canadian Council of Chief Executives which worried that without a change in tone, Canada would miss out cashing in on the world’s fastest growing economy. But they were bitter words to the likes of Amnesty International and other campaigners for better treatment of China’s ethnic minorities, the Falun Gong and political prisoners.

And yet, the statistics show no cause-and-effect relationship between investment and standing up against China on human rights.

In 2007, before Harper’s “bit of an adjustment”, two-way trade between the two countries was up 13 per cent. In 2008, two-way trade was up 11 per cent. In the first six months of 2009, two-way trade grew by 3 per cent — despite a recession.

Would recent deals with China to get that country to accept Canadian beef exports and for this country to be able to exploit China’s tourism market have happened without that adjustment? The government might say no. But then we have oil in Alberta and lumber in B.C., the raw materials that China must have to grow. Perhaps we should do more to leverage the quid we have for the Chinese quo.

Ignatieff, in his speech this week in Beijing, was quite right that Canada, too, has had its own issues with human rights. The treatment of aboriginal children at residential schools, for example, will always be a blemish on our human rights record.

But our prime minister – in the one act that, so far at least, has earned Harper an enduring place in the histories of Canada that will be written over the next century – formally apologized for that.

When President Hu – or any other Chinese leader – does the same and publicly acknowledges (let alone apologizes for) its own government’s sins against its citizens, then Canada should be ready to treat that country with the deference and respect it seems to so crave.