Big Steve makes headlines in Russia

Big Steve Harper has got some notice in Russia thanks to his hard line on Russian membership in the G7. Mr. Harper opined the other day that Russia doesn't belong in the G7 "under Putin" because Mr. Putin is a nasty dude. Or something.

Sounds like Big Steve is advocating for regime change in Russia.

The Kremlin response to Mr. Harper's ruminations was remarkably level-headed. What with the recent findings of genocide against the native population in Canada by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the Russians could have gone off on all manner of finger-pointing and name-calling tangents.

Instead, they merely regret Canada's unfortunate lapse into Cold War rhetoric.

The G7 was once comprised of the seven biggest economies in the world. Canada has long left that fold. The influence of the G7 over global economic policies remains formidable but is fading fast. We still belong in the G20, but certainly not the G7.

As far as Russia is concerned, under Putin they have a lower unemployment rate than Canada, a bigger economy than Canada, and a far better debt to GDP ratio than Canada, in spite of the spurious sanctions imposed since that so-called "annexation" of Crimea.

I have a hunch that the history books a hundred years from now will feature several chapters on the leadership of Vladimir Putin.

Harper is unlikely to be much more than a footnote.

British spying on G20 allies exposed!

The Guardian newspaper has revealed that the British government spied on the visiting delegates at the 2009 G20 summit in London.

That should make for a frosty ambiance as the Brits prepare to host the G8 this week!

Microphones accidentally pick up Netanyahu comments at G20

A technical gaffe at the G20 summit last week resulted in some undiplomatic comments by Benyamin Netanyahu being overheard by the press corps. Although all present were required to pledge an oath of secrecy the story has been leaked by some outraged French journalists.

Canadian PM Steven Harper remains the only G20 leader on speaking terms with Netanyahu, so the two spent quite a lot of time chit-chatting. Here is a transcript of their conversation.

BN: That Sarkozy, he is a midget. He wears elevators in his shoes.

SH: Heh heh, good one Bibi!

BN: And that Merkel, what is the matter with her? Needs a good you-know-what if

       you ask me…

SH: No doubt, Bibi!

BN: Now that Silvio, he is a man’s man, eh?

SH: A man’s man Bibi… still with the bunga bunga at his age!

BN: And Obama... A black man in the White house! And he wants to lecture me?

SH:  For shame, Bibi, for shame...