Global Geopolitical Series: Canada trying to break impasse with Saudi Arabia by diplomatic engagement

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed earlier this week that his country is engaging diplomatically to resolve the ongoing bitter dispute with Saudi Arabia which was triggered after Canadian foreign minister criticized the kingdom for jailing activists and called for their release in a tweet, “Very alarmed to learn that Samar Badawi, Raif Badawi’s sister, has been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia. Canada stands together with the Badawi family in this difficult time, and we continue to strongly call for the release of both Raif and Samar Badawi.”

The criticism infuriated the Kingdom, which then severed diplomatic relations with Canada by calling its ambassadors to the country back home and expelling the Canadian ambassador to the country. The Kingdom took further measures by announcing that it would allow no fresh investments in Canada and halted key imports like Grain. The Kingdom also ordered all Saudi students to home.

The response shocked Canada, as well as the International community. Since the crisis in early August, Canada has been struggling to find friends to pursue the Kingdom to resolve the issue as the United States made it clear that it will not be engaging in the feud.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement indicated that Canada might have found a break to resolve the issue diplomatically. The country was seeking help from Saudi Arabia's close ally, the United Arab Emirates. The Prime Minister added that while Canada is not backing down from its human rights demand, it is better to engage diplomatically and positively with countries around the world.

In reality, Canada has backed down and the feud is likely to cost the Prime Minister votes in the coming election.