Motivated by the tragedy of September 11, the U.S. has recently announced a historic policy change. The Bush Doctrine proclaims that the U.S. will pre-emptively and—if necessary—unilaterally attack with overpowering force any nation posing a threat to it. Since the fall of 2002 the U.S. has been making the case that Saddam Hussein’s Iraq poses just such a threat. The CBC’s Brian Stewart takes a look at the genesis of this policy and the risks associated with it. In a separate update News in Review examines the United Nations’ efforts to confirm whether or not Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction, and the reaction of Americans and America’s allies to the possibility of war.
Monthly Archives: February 2003
The Gun Law: Pro & Con
News in Review examines the problems the federal government has had implementing its gun registry. The recent revelation by the Auditor General that the program has so far cost a billion dollars has caused a political firestorm on Parliament Hill. By January 1 every gun owner should have registered their firearms, but despite the billion dollars, nobody knows for sure how successful it has been. News in Review looks back at the original debate over the need for gun control and the ongoing battle some groups are waging against the program.
Saving the Native Children
Among the arguments for Native self-government, Native leaders say one of the most important is the future of their children. Giving First Nations the tools to run their communities could give their children a whole new sense of hope. But one of the responsibilities already handed over to some Native communities is proving difficult to manage, and it involves the very children they are trying to save. Here’s a feature report from the CBC’s Duncan McCue on the problems faced by some Native child welfare groups.
A New Leader for the NDP
This January the federal NDP chose Jack Layton as its new party leader. Layton has taken on a tough job; in the last election the NDP received its lowest popular vote ever, and so more than ever the survival of the party is at stake. News in Review takes a look at Layton’s road to victory and examines the NDP’s past and possible future.