Bush Signs Off on New U.S. Arctic Policy

White House Directive doesn't go far enough

While the administration gets high marks for getting this new Arctic policy mostly right, unfortunately it does not go far enough. The policy does not specifically call for building new icebreakers, despite the fact the Coast Guard’s few ships are a geriatric bunch desperately in need of revitalization and/or replacement. This is perhaps its biggest flaw. Leaving specific language out for new icebreakers is a major oversight that one can only chalk up to OMB intransigence. The Coast Guard certainly wanted them and fought hard to get specific language towards reenergizing this capability, as did Senator Murkowski who is deserving of tremendous credit for this policy coming together.

The policy also does not authorize the US to help give the Arctic Council teeth to empower it to deal with security issues. The policy specifically says it should stay neutered and operate within its limited mandate.

For a full analysis, visit http://securitydebrief.adfero.com/new-us-arctic-policy-gets-it-mostly-right/

NW Passage

I dont understand why the us really wants our land!!! It' s ours and you never know. Somewhere underneath that ice there could be something rare that the world needs. This is why Bush wants our land. He also wants room to travle freely but if the canadians give that land to the U.S then Canada will be sandwiched inbetween the U.S and then whho knows what could happen??

NW Passage

The US only cares because of the legal precedent that recognizing the NW Passage might have on other contested straits that are crucial to its freedom of navigation. The question is, why does Canada care? Under UNCLOS, we have the right to protect and environmentally regulate waters up to 200 miles from our coast regardless of whether it's internal or international, along with rights to all of the resources in the NW Passage and our Arctic waters. In practical terms, virtually nothing would change should the status of the NW Passage be determined to be an international strait. A lot of things need attention and resources in the Canadian North. The NW Passage should not be atop the list.

NW Passage

The US only cares because of the legal precedent that recognizing the NW Passage might have on other contested straits that are crucial to its freedom of navigation. The question is, why does Canada care? Under UNCLOS, we have the right to protect and environmentally regulate waters up to 200 miles from our coast regardless of whether it's internal or international, along with rights to all of the resources in the NW Passage and our Arctic waters. In practical terms, virtually nothing would change should the status of the NW Passage be determined to be an international strait. A lot of things need attention and resources in the Canadian North. The NW Passage should not be atop the list.

Okay, so let me get this straight...

The Northwest Passage is in Canada. We operate far to the north of the NW Passage, routinely. But the US says, no, it's international.

But, at the same time, the US wants to prevent unsavory elements from being able to penetrate inside North America.

So why then does the US effectively say any ship from any country should be able to meander in through Canada's vast back yard - an area that can be a potential avenue through Canada into the US for people who are up to no good.

Even the Paul Cerlucci, the US Ambassador to Canada, has publicly admitted that it is NOT in America's interests for the NW Passage to be declared "international waters".

Why are you guys throwing your weight around like this? Back off.

drill it now

Start the drilling...........