On July 1, 2022, I received the Governor-General’s Operational Service Medal for my work in support the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to OP IMPACT.  This expeditionary medal recognizes Canadian public servants who have supported the CAF in dangerous operations overseas. Approximately 30 civilians received this award for service in Iraq between 2014 and 2022.

This medal ends over 12 years of my diplomatic work covering Iraq, and it was very special to receive it with Canada's Ambassador to Kuwait, Aliya Mawani, in attendance at the award ceremony. Particularly as my first trip to Iraq was in December 2009 with Ambassador Mawani when she was posted to Iraq.  

I am pleased to have participated in the Wounded Warriors Canada Virtual Ride For Mental Health along with colleagues from the Embassy of Canada to Kuwait. This national event was an opportunity to raise funds to support the mental health of our Veterans, First Responders and their families. Please consider making a pledge to the ride here.

Today friends and family of renown Iraqi academic and government adviser Hisham Al Hashimi commemorate the 40th day (Arba'een) since his death on July 6, 2020. Hisham was a good friend to the diplomatic community and generous with his time. He shared his knowledge and was a prolific writer and researcher. 

Hisham was assassinated in front of his home, his death was felt personally by everyone who knew him. Following his death, I commissioned my father Dave Gordon to paint a portrait of Hisham to remember him. Below is a statement from his colleagues at the Iraq Advisory Council.  

​Statement by the Iraq Advisory Council:
 
Husham, your life’s work will not be forgotten.
 
The Iraq Advisory Council (IAC), together with the academic and research community and honourable people who seek peace and freedom, remember today our friend Dr. Husham Alhashimi, God bless his soul. 
 
Husham’s assassination left deep wounds and sorrow in the hearts of the people who loved and admired him for the noble beliefs he held in building a sovereign state that is at peace with its people and free from tyranny and oppression. A state where human rights are embraced and where the freedom of its people are protected under the rule of law. 
 
On the Arba’een of his assassination, we renew our condemnation of this heinous crime – the murder of one of IAC’s key members – and remind the government of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi of its national, legal and moral responsibility to protect authentic national voices, and to work towards providing a safe environment for activists while ensuring their freedom from harassment and intimidation of all kinds. We enquire again as to the result of the pledge that was made by the Prime Minister to the Iraqi people, and to the family of Husham, to find and prosecute the perpetrators of this terrible crime.
 
The Iraq Advisory Council is determined to memorialise this national tragedy in a manner that honours his legacy and consolidates his scholarly contributions by holding an international forum next July on the 1st anniversary of his assassination, entitled the IAC Husham Alhashimi Forum, with the participation and partnership of renowned research centres and think tanks from all around the globe. 
 
IAC reiterates its call on the Iraqi authorities to track down the perpetrators of his murder and to bring them to justice to ensure that the blood of Husham was not spilt in vain.
 
Our heartfelt condolences to all friends and family of Husham and we pray to God to have mercy on his soul and may he rest in peace.
 
Board of Directors of Iraq Advisory Council
15th August 2020

The recent news that the Government of China has formally charged Michael Kovrig with espionage is a sad and alarming development in this tragic case of unlawful detention. Michael was on leave from Global Affairs Canada and working for the International Crisis Group when he was arrested on December 10, 2018. 

My dad, Dave Gordon, painted this portrait of Michael for me to honour my friend and colleague. I have a deep sense of grief when I think about his situation and I hope for his release. Read more about Michael's case and my friendship with him here. 

It was a milestone for Arabic speaking Canadian diplomats when they collaborated on a video to promote Canada's UNSC campaign on social media. I was happy to make small cameo appearance!

Not sure what kind of falcon this is, but friends have suggested it is a Sakr or Oqab falcon, which is common in the Gulf. It stopped by for a visit last week.