Vivian Bercovici served as Canada's ambassador to Israel from January 2014 to July 2016Before unleashing the full might of the US Air Force on nuclear sites in Iran, President Trump attempted repeatedly to encourage Iran’s Supreme Leader to return to the negotiating table. A diplomatic solution is always preferable, he wrote more than one week ago to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the 86-year-old leader of the Islamic State of Iran.Trump’s entreaty — by no means his first — was however his last before authorizing the US Air Force to strike three key sites housing different aspects of Iran’s ambitious nuclear program on Saturday night. It is difficult to ascertain how effective the strikes were, particularly at the main Fordo site, because it is burrowed into a rock mountain, deep underground.American isolationists are outraged. There is no upside in messing in these faraway feuds. Not our fight..Today, many Canadians are expressing similar views regarding the middle east and in particular, U.S. military action targeting Iran. There seem to be more demonstrations across Canada supporting the Islamic Republic than in any way opposing it. That, in and of itself, should alarm Canadians..HANNAFORD: Israelis agreed on finishing the job in Iran.Iran was founded in 1979 on an extreme ideology of Shiite Muslim supremacy. In addition to enforcing strict religious interpretations on all sectors and demographics of society, the regime has focused — since taking power on February 14, 1979, on spreading its theocratic fervour and strictures.Iran is the key financial and diplomatic supporter of Islamist terror in the world..The regime has long focused on maintaining “sleeper cells” throughout the west — in Europe, North and South America and Australia. These are religious fanatics who are trained and devoted to “the cause” and could be activated at any time. Their handiwork has been evident over the decades, in smaller terror attacks targeting all manner of civilians, as well as more spectacular operations like two in Argentina in 1994 that targeted the Jewish Community Centre and in Buenos Aires. They have many more such massacres under their belt.Iran — financed generously by Qatar — has also developed, trained and supplied a network of fanatical Muslim groups, like the Houthis in Yemen, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. The elite of Iran’s formidable military — senior generals and others from the IRGC — were based in Syria and Lebanon. They were heavily invested in building a land bridge from Tehran to the Mediterranean, with Syria and Lebanon being key territories in this expansionist plan.President Putin was also deeply entrenched with these forces, seeing it as an opportunity to maintain influence and a foothold in the middle east..Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, one of the busiest commercial shipping lanes in the world. Its forces have attacked US and ships carrying other flags — and they have threatened to close the lanes. This would cripple supply chains and commerce globally and has done so from time to time.When Iran promotes “Death to America” as a foremost regime ambition they are not kidding. And it doesn’t just mean attacking on American soil. They can and have attacked US interests and citizens all over the world. During this most recent conflict the Supreme Leader of Iran made clear that he considers all American civilians to be legitimate military targets of the Iranian military.As Iranian intransigence intensified in recent weeks, President Putin ordered all Russian personnel to evacuate the middle east, immediately, ahead of a possible American strike. A master pragmatist, Putin understands well the potential downside to finding his country on the wrong side of this escalating conflict.This is not some local spat between Iran and Israel, Muslims and Jews. Rather, this is an epic moment in the arc of history; one in which the forces of good challenge evil. .And yes. It really is that simple.Left to act unhindered, the Islamic regime has demonstrated over decades its paramount goal; to spread its version of Islam globally.For any western leader to pretend that the murderous Iranian regime is anything but is moral cowardice, or worse. PM Mark Carney has repeated calls for a ceasefire, apparently unaware of the tremendous effort that has gone into inducing reasonableness among members of the regime since 1979.In a phone call on Monday with President Trump, Carney toned down his ignorance, agreeing that “de-escalation” would be preferable. French President Emmanuel Macron has been foppish, pandering to the Iranian regime. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has openly stated that he fears opposing Iran due to the likelihood of terrorist cells attacking in the UK.Only German Chancellor Frederich Merz has had the moral fortitude to say that “Israel was doing the dirty work for the west and we should all be grateful.”Indeed.Canada is known throughout the world as being one of the most hospitable jurisdictions in the world — outside of Iran, Qatar and Turkey — for welcoming regime officials and other Muslim Brotherhood loyalists. Throughout the weekend there were demonstrations across Canada in support of the Islamist regime in Iran.Around noon on Tuesday, the Israeli air force bombed the entrance gates to the notorious Evin prison, in response to clamours from Iranian exiles and opposition. This dungeon has served as the regime’s main torture chamber for those who refuse to wear hijab, or who resist the tyrannical regime in any way. Hours later, President Trump announced that a ceasefire had been agreed upon between Iran and Israel.Do people actually think that Iran is just going to — what — become a peaceful nation respecting human rights and end its brutal theo-fascistic rule?Israel and America have not looked away. We have, together, stepped up to prevent radical Islam from spreading. And, wake up. Because it is not coming to Canada. It is already firmly entrenched there.Which side of history do you want to be on?Vivian Bercovici served as Canada's ambassador to Israel from January 2014 to July 2016.
