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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums"Puttin’ the Pressure on Putin" by Ray McGovern
It's a brilliant article. I recommend people read the whole thing. Ray McGovern rightfully points out how our death penalty earns us "the dubious distinction of joining a list with China, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia as the leaders in executing people"Puttin the Pressure on Putin
July 28, 2013
Exclusive: The Obama administration continues to compound the diplomatic mess around former NSA contractor Edward Snowden. The latest blunder was announcing that the U.S. wouldnt torture or execute Snowden, a reminder to the world how far Official Washington has strayed from civilized behavior, notes ex-CIA analyst Ray McGovern.
By Ray McGovern
...
It is no secret that Putin is chuckling as Attorney General Eric Holder and other empty-shirts-cum-corporate-law-office-silk-ties assisted ably by White House spokesperson Jay Carney proceed willy-nilly to transform the Snowden case from a red-faced diplomatic embarrassment for the United States into a huge geopolitical black eye before the rest of the world.
...
Holders strange promise may have been designed to undercut Snowdens bid for asylum, but it also reminded the world of Americas abysmal behavior on human rights. And, even if the United States promises not to torture someone, government lawyers have shown how they can play games with the definition of the term or just outright lie. Holders reputation for veracity is just a thin notch above that of National Intelligence Director James Clapper, who admits he has chosen to testify under oath to the least untruthful things.
...
Holders high-profile push to get the Russians to hand over Snowden damages the United States in other ways, too, such as reminding the world how the U.S. government has violated the privacy rights of people everywhere, including in allied countries. There is a reasonable argument to be made that the smartest U.S. move would be to simply leave Snowden alone.
...
Vladimir Volokh, head of the Russian Migration Service, seemed to welcome a chance to retaliate in kind. Rubbing in the awkwardness of Snowdens present status because of actions by Washington, Volokh told the Interfax news agency Friday: We know that he is Edward Snowden only from his words. The passport he has has been canceled. He is under protection in the transit area for his safety. He is an individual being pursued and his life is in danger.
The Russians, and pretty much everyone else, are smart enough to realize that, given Washingtons transparent motives, there is nothing to be gained by serving Snowden up to American justice, such as it has become. Russia is no banana republic, so it beggars belief that President Putin will follow the supine example of Panama. Nor is the fawning example of Italy, France, Spain and Portugal something Putin would wish to emulate.
...
http://consortiumnews.com/2013/07/28/puttin-the-pressure-on-putin/
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"Puttin’ the Pressure on Putin" by Ray McGovern (Original Post)
Catherina
Jul 2013
OP
How will the Minister of Truth further elaborate on that which is the paradise of Snowden? n/t
xocet
Jul 2013
#2
Care to point out 'Russia's Cheerleaders' so we may know them by their own words?
sabrina 1
Jul 2013
#4
ProSense
(116,464 posts)1. "Russia is no banana republic"
What will Russia, Snowden's paradise, do?
When It Comes To Extraditions, Russia Often Cooperates
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023356456
xocet
(3,871 posts)2. How will the Minister of Truth further elaborate on that which is the paradise of Snowden? n/t
obl. bl. lnk.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)3. How will Russia's new cheerleaders react if Putin fails them? n/t
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)4. Care to point out 'Russia's Cheerleaders' so we may know them by their own words?
ProSense
(116,464 posts)5. You should be able to spot them on your own.
Start with Snowden: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023321370