CP: Harper urges 'enlightened' foreign policy, but faces criticism on climate

[tuvor]

DAVOS, Switzerland - Prime Minister Stephen Harper is calling on world leaders to embrace an "enlightened sovereignty" that puts the global good ahead of each country's immediate self-interest.

But within minutes of introducing the idea Thursday in a major foreign policy speech at the Davos World Economic Forum, Harper had to fend off suggestions that he's being short-sighted on climate change.

Countries don't commit to hard targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions for a very good reason, he told a roundtable discussion with other leaders - because such action has "very significant impacts on the economy" of each country.

...

The leaders on stage with Harper suggested that putting the economy before environment is too short-sighted - exactly the kind of approach he criticized in his keynote speech.

...

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/markets/headline_news/article.jsp?content=b281805919&scroll=rating

Y'know, he really should have seen that one coming. Some brilliant political tactician. :rofl:

[daleo]

1. He's not used to having his statements analyzed critically

Too many sycophants and toadies around him in Canada.

[HeresyLives]

2. Whoops, major screw-up on that one!

Enlightened on what everyone else should do, just not him.

He asked for that one! :)