Issues of Global Import

24 November 2003


Istanbul Attack Saves Bush's British Visit
When a leader is in trouble, he may discover that he can't rely on his friends. President Bush is fortunate, not only can he rely on his friends for support, but his enemies seem eager to help him as well. Mr. Bush had arranged a three-day trip to visit Ally Number One, The Right Honourable Tony Blair, MP, PC, amid state fanfare and an incredible amount of hostile protest. It had all the hallmarks of a PR disaster-in-the-making until Al-Qaeda set off two bombs in Turkey and saved Mr. Bush's bacon again. Click here to read Kensington's Opinion.

Paul Martin Will Succeed Jean Chretien as Canada's Prime Minister
Ask an American who the Prime Minister of Canada is, and one usually gets a blank stare in response. Among the minority of Yanks who know Canada is an independent country with its own history and system of government, most of them will say that they know who it is, they just can't pronounce the name. With the departure of Jean Chretien and the arrival on Paul Martin, Jr. on December 12, they will be able to pronounce the name, they just won't know who he is. They will learn soon enough. Click here for more.

USS Vandegrift Drops Anchor in Vietnam
The first American naval vessel to visit Vietnam in a quarter of a century arrived in Ho Chi Minh City last week. The USS Vandegrift was on a goodwill tour to what was once Saigon. The Pentagon can label it "Mission Accomplished" and mean it. Click here to read why.