False opposition

CBC follows up on one of the less-reported aspects of Harper's trip up north, pointing out PMS' call for the U.S. to finally sign on to the Law of the Sea Convention:

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has called on the United States to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which would signal recognition of Canada's sovereignty over its Arctic coastal waters...

The Law of the Sea, which originated in the 1970s and was revised in the early 1990s, recognizes a 200-nautical-mile, or 370-kilometre, exclusive economic zone off a country's coast. While 150 nations have ratified the treaty, the U.S. Congress has refused to do so.

In principle, it would certainly be a plus for the U.S. to finally agree to follow the rules that govern countries generally. But there's no reason to assume that its present narrow orientation (supported by Harper when it comes to global warming) will give way to a new recognition of multilateralism based solely on a call from Harper. And since PMS has also signalled that he's more than willing to relieve the U.S. of its international obligations in exchange for what he perceives to be positive PR, there doesn't appear to be much upside for Canada even if Harper could convince the U.S. to play along.

Of course, the Cons may well see the U.S.' likely disinterest as a positive outcome, presumably trying to spin the issue as an example of Harper not giving in to U.S. interests. But in reality, Harper's attempt to be seen standing up to Bush on the Law of the Sea is just as empty as his claim to be able to work with Bush by capitulating on other issues. And the ultimate lesson for Canadians should be a reminder that Harper's attempts to cozy up to the U.S. won't move Bushco an inch when it comes to issues where even Harper can't find an excuse to buckle under.