Mahmoud Abbas

Barbara Amiel on Israel’s elections and the brilliance of Bibi

As the conflict in Gaza ratchets up, it’s clear the status quo can’t hold. But the idea of a peaceful resolution seems as remote as ever

Israeli Intelligence Minister Yuval Steinitz was in Ottawa this week to meet with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. Steinitz described Israel’s relationship with Canada’s current government as “very special and quite rare… They act no just out of shared interests but shared values.” He spoke to Maclean’s about this relationship, as well Iran, Syria, and Israel’s current peace negotiations with the Palestinians. The interview has been edited and condensed.

John Baird is in New York today to vote against a resolution that would recognize Palestine as a non-voting observer state at the United Nations. The Prime Minister referred to the resolution as a “shortcut” yesterday and has reportedly pressured Mahmoud Abbas to drop the bid. Campbell Clark now considers what Canada might do in response to the resolution passing.

And why Israel should too

With key regional allies now hostile, the Jewish state appears isolated as never before

Easing Peter MacKay’s pain and the faster Flaherty

Yesterday several top PMO staff got colourful with their ties.