Post by : Badri Ariffin

Former US President Donald Trump has rescinded the invitation previously offered to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to participate in the proposed “Board of Peace.” This move signals a notable increase in tensions between the leaderships of both nations.

The announcement was made late Thursday evening (local time), shortly after the Carney administration stated it would not finance membership in the newly proposed platform, which Trump has dubbed as an eminent channel for resolving global conflicts.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump communicated the decision directly, declaring that the Board of Peace would no longer extend its invitation to Canada, labeling the forum as “the most distinguished Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time.”

This dispute is the latest installment in a burgeoning verbal clash between Washington and Ottawa that began earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney garnered international attention with remarks that highlighted a “rupture” in the US-led global framework. He asserted that nations like Canada, which flourished in a period of American predominance, must recognize the new global reality where mere “compliance” would not ensure safety from pressures or hostilities from larger nations.

Trump responded promptly, ridiculing Carney in his subsequent public statements. “Canada survives because of the United States. Keep that in mind, Mark, the next time you make your remarks,” he stated.

Carney responded vehemently on Thursday, outright rejecting the statement. “Canada does not thrive because of the United States,” he asserted. “Canada flourishes because we are Canadian.”

This exchange highlights the growing rhetorical and political divide between the two leaders, despite Canada and the US continuing to be each other’s closest trading partners and longstanding allies.

Understanding the 'Board of Peace'

The “Board of Peace” was originally intended to oversee reconstruction efforts in war-torn Gaza, but its ambitions seem more expansive. As detailed in the charter sent to prospective member nations, it is portrayed as an international coalition aimed at fostering stability, reinstating lawful governance, and securing enduring peace in places affected by or susceptible to conflict.

The document clarifies that the board will engage in peace-building initiatives aligned with international law and is not restricted to the Palestinian territory.

Despite the lofty aspirations illustrated by the proposal, it has already met skepticism from several countries. Canada’s decision to decline payment for joining evidently prompted Trump to withdraw the invitation.

#Global News #Donald Trump #Carney