Ignatieff's World - A very confusing place...

I have just finished reading the first edition of Denis Smith’s book, Ignatieff’s World: A Liberal Leader for the 21st Century?, which overviews and attempts to untangle Michael Ignatieff’s chameleonic perspective on human rights, American power, the “war on terror” and international interventionism, through his abundant writings.

Though a more recent edition, released in March 2009, devotes a few chapters to Ignatieff’s “new role” in Parliament as elected Member of Parliament and leader of the Liberal party, the original version is still very informative. It offers level-headed insight into Ignatieff’s supposed intellectualism, which I feel is highly overrated, especially in light of his inability to clearly state his position on any issue. A man who cannot firmly stand for what he believes, leaving his views ambiguously open to interpretation, perhaps to more easily weasel out of unpopular stands, does not inspire confidence. Additionally, his lack of perspective on certain issues and oversimplification of the world forces at work are at times frightening.

One Ignatieff quote particularly struck me with its foreshadowing strength and apparent hypocrisy. Regarding the war in Iraq and despite his flip-flopping criticism of the American invasion, Ignatieff makes this simple statement: “I don’t have a clever way out. (…) My business, since I’m not running for office, is to present problems, not solutions.”

Apparently, even in office and regardless of the issue, solutions from Ignatieff remain scarce and as intellectually murky as ever. I’d love to sit and chat with Mr. Smith about what he thinks of the Liberal leader today.

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PS - After an extended absense, I am happy to return to the world of Blogging Tories. Thanks for reading...