Carney could learn from the Spanish prime minister how to take on Trump |
Prime Minister Mark Carney has endeared himself to Canadians largely for his toughness in standing up to Donald Trump.
But if we want to see how a real tough guy handles the U.S. president, we should check out the prime minister of Spain.
True, Carney showed boldness in his speech in Davos last January, but it’s been Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez who’s really exhibited some Robert De Niro chops in dealing with Trump.
Carney has wavered — first showing support, then opposition — to the war against Iran launched by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Canada restricts arms exports to Israel, but Carney has refused to close a loophole that permits their export via the U.S.
By contrast, Sanchez has clearly denounced Trump and Netanyahu for waging this brutal, unnecessary war. Sanchez has also taken action, denying Trump the use of Spanish military bases, and imposing a total arms embargo on Israel.
Indeed, Sanchez has shown a toughness that stands out for its sanity in the precarious new world we’re suddenly navigating due to the rising belligerence of Trump and Netanyahu.
This world is different than the one we’ve........