Wednesday Night #2299

Space – the final frontier
Let us start by celebrating the continuing triumph of Artemis II, which has now circled the moon and the crew are set for splashdown near San Diego on Friday. Artemis II crew breaks distance record, loops around the moon and heads for home

Gulf War III
Donald Trump managed to spoil Easter/Passover for anyone watching the news as his pronouncements built to the Tuesday morning crescendo of
“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. “. One did wonder if he wrote those words himself -the message was much too articulate-  and, if so, did he intend to destroy every trace of Persia, “Cradle of Civilization”, or only modern-day Iran?
As the tempo increased during the day, so too did the angst of commentators like Paul Krugman (Our Darkest Hour) ; Robert Reich (Trump’s War Crimes Must be Stopped); Politico’s early morning Playbook was titled The only question that matters today; while Heather Cox Richardson’s April 6, 2026 (Monday) published early Tuesday morning dissects Trump’s behaviour and pronouncements at the White House Easter Egg Roll “Today was another surreal day in the second Trump administration.” Our friend C. Uday Bhaskar, writing from India addressed Trump’s abusive post on Iran War reveals a frustrated — and dangerous — president – General Mark Milley has described the President to author Bob Woodward as: ‘He is the most dangerous person ever. I had suspicions when I talked to you about his mental decline and so forth, but now I realise he’s a total fascist. He is now the most dangerous person to this country’

And then, 88 minutes before the Tuesday 8pm deadline, came the news that a ceasefire had been agreed, thanks to the efforts of Pakistan (Qatar and other Gulf Nations no longer considered neutral). We find Pakistan a strange choice, considering the history of its ISI, constant bickering with India and current war with Afghanistan, however that is for another day.
We hope that references to TACO Tuesday will be limited – there is no point in provoking the president. There is fear, however, that the two-week ceasefire will not hold and, in any event, will not solve the long-term issues. Additionally, while Israel has agreed (?) to the same terms for its battle with Iran, it has stated that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon.

In an interview Wednesday with CJAD’s Big Five podcast Kyle Matthews elaborates on these points, refers to the NYT story How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran (See Long Reads) expressing his skepticism about the terms of the ceasefire agreement (different versions in English and Farsi), how likely it is to hold, and what the various parties are announcing.

Trump Made a Deal That Gives Him Nothing He Wanted (See Long reads for link)
U.S. declarations of victory ring hollow.
More than 12,000 U.S. missiles, bombs, and drones hit Iranian targets over the past five weeks, destroying the country’s navy and much of its military infrastructure. Several of Iran’s leaders and some 1,500 of its citizens were killed, including more than 170 who died in a strike on a girls’ school that was the apparent result of errant targeting. But 12 hours after Trump threatened to destroy Iranian civilization and weeks after demanding Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” the United States agreed to a two-week cease-fire last night while settlement talks play out. Among the president’s initial war goals—preventing Iran from having a nuclear weapon; eliminating its ballistic-missile capabilities; laying the ground for a popular overthrow of the regime; and eradicating Iranian proxies in the Persian Gulf—none have been met.

Meanwhile, JD Vance, who is supposed to be negotiating the ceasefire, is busy in Hungary shoring up Victor Orban in the last days before that country’s election. Vance was in Budapest to rally support for the conservative nationalist strongman currently locked in the toughest re-election battle of his 16-year stint in power. With polls showing Orbán’s Fidesz Party trailing in the polls ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections next week, Vance has been nominally dispatched by Trump to give Orbán — whose enthusiastic promotion of the “illiberal state” has made him a darling of the American New Right — a last-minute boost. Will it work? Canada/Quebec

Canada/Quebec
The PM is having a good week – another Conservative has crossed the floor, so he is now one vote away from a majority, and with Monday’s upcoming by-elections, he is sure to meet the magic number. Ontario Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu announced on Wednesday she is joining the government benches.
In a statement to her Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong constituents announcing her move, Gladu wrote that she’s heard from the community “that you want serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy.”
Francois Legault has left the stage and could not resist a parting shot or two:
François Legault sounds alarm on French in Montreal in farewell speech: ‘I am worried’
In his farewell speech, François Legault warned that the French language is in decline in Montreal, expressing concern about its use at home, work, and in public life. He urged all political parties to take responsibility for protecting Quebec’s identity, highlighting measures taken during his tenure such as Bill 96. Despite increased enforcement and funding for language oversight, public opinion remains divided. Legault leaves office amid low approval ratings and declining support for the CAQ which is preparing to choose a new leader on April 12. (lots going on on 12 April) In his speech, he also reflected on global instability, encouraged resilience among Quebecers, and received praise from political rivals for his dedication, even as some questioned the results of his political approach.
Will Quebec be better off with Bernard Drainville or Christine Fréchette. What about the Anglo community and our institutions?

Our friend Andy Nulman has an excellent new project “Impossible Pair Day” – April 24
He says: “We can be different, but still get along and move forward together.” A simple message, but one needed now more than ever. Been working on this for a while; so happy to make it real come April 24. Video is sharp, quick, and should tell you everything.”
Let’s see how many Wednesday Nighters will join in and/or spread the word. It only takes a pair of mis-matched shoes.

We were sad to learn of the death of an old friend, the legendary hotelier, president of the Ritz Carlton, and later Senator Fernand Roberge.

Varia
Rescued raven learns to imitate ‘dramatic’ sneeze of Prince George shelter operator
Huxley also likes to repeat his own name, play with squeaky toys and take baths

To escape the worst of the news, I have taken refuge in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, which I had never read, There was a delightful piece on CBC recently about how the author developed the languages he invented and the maps (often drawn by his son) of the mythical lands featured in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and did this before he wrote the books. I will share the link when I find it again.

Pope Leo sets a good example!
American-born Pope Leo may not visit US while Trump is president after diplomat meeting disaster: report
The Pope will reportedly spend July 4th visiting with African migrants seeking a new life in Europe rather than attending 250th anniversary celebrations in the U.S.

Long reads
Trump Made a Deal That Gives Him Nothing He Wanted
U.S. declarations of victory ring hollow.
How Trump Took the U.S. to War With Iran
The decision by President Trump to give the go-ahead to join Israel in attacking Iran was influenced by a presentation by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in February that led to a series of discussions inside the White House over the following days and weeks.
For a range of opinions, give a listen to How will you remember Francois Legault as premier? – some good points about his reassuring presence during Covid.