Are our dealings with Russia hypocritical?

Question

Listening to Condi Rice and Pres. Bush talk about Russias' unwillingness to follow the "International" order, is it not hypocrisy to accuse other nations of doing what we do or support in other countries when convenient?

Would it not be better if we were honest about our intentions, our economic agendas, and our views rather than always hiding behind the "democracy" theory and the "unified international community". (Which is only International if it supports what we say!)

Everyone knows that Georgia is our buddy because we want to use it to bypass Iran and Russia to get to Caspian Sea riches and that Georgia's Saakashvili is anything but a model of democracy. What is the point in lying about all this?

Russia is obviously not innocent and it is creating a buffer in what it considers its national interests. The Israelis do this all the time, so do we, so does any country that settles for military use to achieve its aims.

Does it not make us look worse that we both cannot be straight forward about our intentions but simultanously hide behind the same old tired talking points?

Answer 1

YES

YES

YES

YES

YES

Answer 2

you bet ye they are.

Answer 3

You have "high" ideals, but the rest of us live in the real world.  Every country and organization is hypocritical given your definition.  While I do not support the Bush administration in general, and esp in the area of foreign policy, we must at least rattle the drums on this.  Of course it's about oil and alliances--both on our side and on the Russian side.  

Russia is not a tiny country surrounded by mortal enemies, so the comparison to Israel is not accurate or fair.

Answer 4

I say most probable,reasons why Russia hasn't had a war since the wall fell in 89.Their economy is gone to the wolves,and their people are starving to death.We made them look terrible after taking over Afghanistan within a month,and the Taliban ran them out over a ten year period.With the CIA's help of course.What is ironic is that we trainned the Taliban in Ft.Benning Ga.and Ft.Bragg in 78,and 79 so they could chase out the Russian military machine out of Afghanistan.Which they did using our stinger missles,they dropped those invinceable choppers Russia had like flies and a fly swatter.They are now using the Russian equipment they left behind IE;AK-47's,RPG's,and even their Tanks,also our stinger missles against us with no previel.They had no chance against our safisticated cruise,and Tomahawk missles,or our stealth technology.Special Forces has took total control of that country with the help of the Afghan freedom fighters.

Answer 5

You've answered your question.  

Answer 6

It is simply about control, in this instance Russia was ok staying out of America's business some what, but US was insistent on cornering Russia. A lot is going on behind the scenes, this war is just part of a bigger picture.

It was Georgia backed by US that provoked a Russian retaliation. Before skirmishes between S.Ossetia and Georgia started Russia brought a resolution in the security council calling for both countries to cease fire, it was US that refused.

Behind the scenes Russia had warned Georgia against any such moves, and they were fully prepared. Georgian president taking advantage of Olympics with backing of US, provoked Russia.

Russia has warned US over defense shield and NATO over encircling Russia. There was outcry from US when elements in Russia stated then we will reestablish ties with Cuba, but US has no problem doing the same thing against Russia.

You can not provoke them and expect them not to retaliate. Russians have made it clear now they will defend there interests any means necessary. Then the notion they have ancient military or a weak economy. I don't where people have been, but Putin has revolutionized Russia. Russian economy is booming thanks to OIL, it has a well equipped and trained army now. Russia is one the biggest weapon exporters.

"By declaring the Caucasus, a region that is thousands of miles from the American continent, a sphere of its 'national interest,' the United States made a serious blunder."

~ (Mikhail Gorbachev), Washington Post, 12/08/08