It’s Canada’s Turn to Engage Iran

As international sanctions against Iran were lifted over the weekend and as U.S.-Iranian relations dominated the headlines, Canadian Foreign Minister Stéphane Dion implied on the sidelines of a Cabinet-level retreat that the government is considering dropping its sanctions against Iran, a move that would align Canada with its closest international partners. That the government recognizes the economic and strategic disadvantages associated with its inherited Iran policy is a major step toward constructive re-engagement with Tehran.

What is certain is that in pursuit of Canadian national interests, the government is best served by pursuing diplomacy with Iran or risk being left behind as its G7 and NATO partners forge ahead in a new era of relations with Tehran. As the world’s leaders gather in Davos, Switzerland for the annual World Economic Forum this week, there is no better time than the present to begin the re-engagement process, assuming it has not already begun.

To continue reading, please visit the Huffington Post.