Rapprochement

It is sad how our countries have drifted apart in the wake of an event that should have bound us closer than ever. Just as things look their bleakest, though, comes a report that Canada is in talks with the US (and UN) to help the Iraqis conduct their elections in January.

Sources said Canada would probably be asked to assist in developing the technical infrastructure for the election, which could include printing ballots, helping with voter registration, designing polling stations and/or training returning officers and other workers for election day. Canada would also offer advice on fraud-proofing the vote.

I understand that a ridiculously low percentage of Canadians would have voted for Bush (the last survey said 15 percent). But like him or not, there are bigger issues out there than our personal like or dislike of the president and his policies. Here we, as Canadians, have the opportunity to do something positive about Iraq, and at least give the Iraqi people a chance at a legitimate election result. We may never be as close as we were in September 2001, but this is a step in the right direction.