To the editor:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with his “sunny ways” philosophy likes viewing all things through rose-coloured glasses to avoid some of the stark realities which might upset this congenial – if false – view of today’s world.
He has decided naively to follow the world in lifting sanctions on Iran believing the so-called landmark deal between Iran and six leading world powers will actually prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
There are many who believe far too high a price was paid by the Americans for the deal. The billions of dollars wired to the Islamic Republic were referred by an Iranian general as essentially a ransom payment even though the four American hostages were completely innocent.
The United States also released seven Iranian prisoners who had been convicted of sanctions violations. For example, Iranian-American Christian pastor Saeed Abedini had been imprisoned for more than three years because he had converted from Islam to Christianity.
It is at best an assumption to believe Iran is acting on good faith and can be trusted.
Religious and ethnic minorities, and particularly Christians, are highly likely to continue to be persecuted as they face dangers and risks daily and most likely will continue to be held hostage and used as bargaining chips.
Iran is a state sponsor of global terrorism and was rightly designated as one by the previous Conservative government under federal legislation.
Many Iranian-Canadians have expressed concern about normalizing relations with a country with such a poor human rights record. Iran continues to call for the destruction of Israel.
And let’s not forget that our own late Ken Taylor, ambassador to Iran in 1979, risked his life with other Canadian diplomats to rescue six American hostages.
Trudeau’s unbridled optimism in praise of the deal with Iran is naive at best and ignores Iran’s dubious and deceptive track record.
It remains to be seen whether this deal is one to be cheered or feared and it’s far too soon to view it “as a victory for quiet diplomacy.”
Gerald Hall
Nanoose Bay
