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Tracy*numquam cede's avatar

Thanks Shankar, another gem right on the money, and right on time.

In addition to the energy equation, our democratic principles are under threat and being tested. We have not had this style of combat before directed at our country in this same way or degree. It will get worse, and may become a new distorted normal.

During WW2 Canadians stepped up in a huge way, Churchill was deeply fond of Canada, and in 1941 stated that Canada is the linchpin of the democratic resistance. Let that sink in. Canada has always been the prize for autocracies like Russia. We have been the link between Europe and the USA.

"Canada is the linchpin of the English-speaking world. Canada is the link spanning the oceans, bringing the continents into their true relation and preventing in future generations any division between the proud nations of Europe and the great countries of the New World."

Winston Churchill

Currently, Europe is being heavily targeted by Russian disinformation, and hybrid campaigns. The latest move is Russia ramping up attacks within Europe using professional networks - criminal rings, and others. Their standard strategy previously was one-off individuals carrying out their destabilizing agenda, often without them even realizing they were recruited for that campaign. This is different, and Europe is dealing with a bigger problem with these criminal networks inside their countries being co-opted by Russia to attack from within.

When I need a little boost, I go back to this quote from Churchill, I posted this on my fridge last year when all this insanity with Trump started. To remind myself, sometimes every day, my own call to arms, and Canada's place in this chaotic world.

"Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small,

large or petty, never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense.

Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.”

We're made of tougher stuff Canada. Always remember that.

The strongest steel is made from the hottest fire.

PNW Guy's avatar

Thank you for the Churchill quote!

Ken Fisher's avatar

"Canada is not just defending itself here. It is helping build the world Putin and his friends fear."

sartyb's avatar

That was a good read Shankar.

Every day I get up and thank the begeezuz that we have PM Carney and that other (middle power) countries have stood up and are starting to assert themselves.

Meg Salter's avatar

Deep view into the why of disinformation targeting Alberta and Canada. Now I get it.

Pterodactyl-Cape's avatar

Right?? No wonder Alberta has been flaring right-wing for years now. Putin’s network has been targeting them.

Chris (CJ Fitz)'s avatar

We stand on guard for thee. I’m a fan. I support Canada.🇨🇦

Steve's avatar

I've always viewed Russia primarily as a threat in the Arctic... Their military bases all throughout Siberia and the long range bomber missions that poke and prod at the NORAD umbrella. Like, if we're not watching our Arctic territory closely, how would we even know if they decided to walk across the North Pole?

But this article very succinctly illustrates the many other fronts where Canada and Russia will knock heads and we need to ramp up all efforts to become and stay a viable global leader in these sectors. LFG Carney! Make it happen!

Cal A. Urquhart's avatar

I think that’s right. They have huge numbers of submarines in the Northern fleet at Murmansk. It’s one of the few weapon systems that has been well funded and hasn’t been significantly degraded by the war in Ukraine.

Maria Devereux's avatar

What a timely piece! I have been thinking how irritating Canada must be becoming to Putin. He has beautifully managed to subvert US through his useful idiots there and has a well- oiled propaganda machine operating in Europe.

And then up pops Canada into the fray joining hands with their cousins in Australia, and towing Japan along to boot! Whaaa!

Northshore2025's avatar

We're Canadian.

We draw much of our identity from surviving a harsh, extreme climate, months of excessive darkness, and a history going back to indigenous teachings of being one with a harsh, but startlingly beautiful land.

And every dark stretch is rewarded with a creeping return of the light, until our surroundings bloom into a lush burst of colour, and verdant glorious green. Renewal, and resourcefulness for survival is stamped into us with every turn of the year.

We are tough, smart, and kind enough to support each other, and together, face those who would try to undermine our country.

Mary Norton's avatar

Beautifully expressed

Northshore2025's avatar

That's kind of you to say. And I really do think that-if we just work together, and tap into the core of who we are as a people, then we can handle anything these uncertain times throws at us.

Lesley's avatar

Canada's next door Arctic neighbour is still a huge threat. Another reason why Canada must continue to support Ukraine.

https://substack.com/@sarobertson/note/c-254691580?r=1thv7c

Art 🇨🇦's avatar

The current American leadership now views itself as a colonial power and looks covetously at the entire Western hemisphere, most especially Canada and Greenland. When they abducted Maduro and took over Venezuela, I wondered: thus emboldened, would they dare take on the conquest of the Great White North?

A couple of points:

What our PM Carney has accomplished in the one year he and his party have been in power is truly astonishing. And as history looks back on this time, I believe it will stand out even more in global significance. To my mind Carney's most salient achievement is in rallying the world's "middle powers", strengthening the bulwarks of liberal democracies across the globe against wannabe hegemons. He has shown how to speak and deal with bullies, doing so with dignity and integrity. I feel more hopeful that the Canada that I know and love will survive this train wreck of an era.

And two, through sheer stupidity and boundless hubris, the war against Iran has considerably weakened America's military. There will not be kind of appetite to start another extravaganza in the foreseeable future. Thank God for their impressive incompetence. Canadian bacon is safe for now. The best thing is for Iran to hold the Department of War to a stalemate, further exposing the idiots that are running the show. These emperors not only have no clothes, but they also look really gross naked.

David Stevens's avatar

You deserve the word "Great" in front of your name.

David Stevens's avatar

Mr Narayan, you are a FANTASTIC writer. I've been a fan for some time.

Simon M's avatar

The west still misses vital capacity at the front end of the nuclear fuel cycle, in particular conversion (yellowcake to UF6) and enrichment. Expansion is possible but needs longterm commitments from utilities to purchase capacity otherwise it will never happen.

Tim Bryson's avatar

Russia had an interest in the weakening of Canada via the convoy occupations in 2022. I have no doubt that the occupation was funded in part by Russian and far right American interests.

Punk Rock Pixie 🇨🇦's avatar

It never fails to amaze me just how evil the bad actors can be

BJ Zamora's avatar

Putin has destroyed the YS. He’s trying to go after Canada while he still has the muscle.

I doubt if Ukraine will let him.

Rebecca Lorentzen's avatar

This is a most informative and useful article. Thank you.