Power & Politics Trump calls for help in the Middle East. Allies aren't answering
Mar 16, 2026
Katie Simpson, CBC reporter in Doha, brings on-the-ground accounts of missile alerts and Gulf disruptions. Don Drummond, economist at Queen's, breaks down inflation quirks and how rising oil could push prices up. They discuss U.S. appeals for help in the Strait of Hormuz, allied reluctance, NATO tensions, and risks to regional security in concise, on-the-ground and economic perspectives.
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Airport Border Crossing Interrupted By Missile Alerts
- Katie Simpson describes arriving at Qatar's land border as phone alerts suddenly warned of a heightened threat and ballistic missiles, creating chaotic alarm noises among travellers.
- She recounts Qatar's defense statement: 14 missiles launched, 13 intercepted, one landed away from civilians.
Strategic Incoherence Erodes Allied Trust
- Strategic incoherence from the White House undermines allied cooperation and willingness to risk forces alongside the U.S.
- Andrew Leslie warns past insults, tariffs, and surprise actions mean Canada cannot trust U.S. leadership to protect deployed personnel.
Do Not Send Canadian Forces To Hormuz Now
- Avoid deploying Canadian forces to the Strait of Hormuz under current U.S. leadership due to unpredictable policy and lack of consultation.
- Andrew Leslie explicitly recommends staying away to protect Canadian lives and because Ottawa had no say in U.S. intentions.