Bush asserts U.S. sea power over Arctic straits
In his final days in power, President George W. Bush asserted U.S. military “sea power” over the oil-rich Arctic on Monday, in another forceful rebuttal of Canada’s claims of sovereignty over the Northwest Passage. […]
Key elements of Bush’s policy challenge the ambitious Arctic sovereignty agenda put forth by Prime Minister Stephen Harper that includes bolstering Canada’s military presence and fostering economic and social development. The Bush directive reiterates that the Northwest Passage is an international waterway — a rebuttal of Canada’s claim of sovereignty over what is emerging as a major global shipping route because of the shrinking polar ice cap — and it highlights the boundary dispute in the resource-rich Beaufort Sea.
“I think Canada has gotten a real wake-up call with this,” said University of Calgary political scientist Rob Huebert, one the country’s leading experts on Arctic issues. […]
Bush’s memorandum directs several key agencies to define the full extent of U.S. Arctic boundaries because of its “compelling interest” in the region. The policy cites climate change, defence against possible terrorist threats and a “a growing awareness that the Arctic region is both fragile and rich in resources.” […]