O CANADA - AT 8:55 A.M. ET:  From AFP:

The Canadian government on Friday reaffirmed its Arctic claims, saying it will defend its northern territories and waters after Russia earlier announced plans to militarize the North.

"Canada is an Arctic power," Catherine Loubier, a spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, said in an email to AFP.

"The government is engaged in protecting the security of Canada and in exercising its sovereignty in the North, including Canadian waters," she said.

Loubier pointed to the planned acquisition of Arctic patrol vessels, construction of a deep water port and eavesdropping network in the region, annual military exercises and boosting the number of Inuit Arctic rangers keeping on eye on goings-on along its northern frontier.

COMMENT:  The Canadians are doing exactly the right thing.  Now, here is a question I never thought I'd have to ask about the United States:  Which side will we be on?  Will we back our ally?  So far, I haven't heard a word coming out of Washington. 

Chances are we'll say nothing, letting Canada twist in the wind while we push the "reset" button in our relations with Russia.  You watch.

March 29, 2009