Posted by
Scotchman on Monday, August 07, 2006 9:33:57 PM
I was without internet access the last few days while at the beach for some much needed R&R, so that explains the absence of posts lately.
CNSNews.com has this story about Russia paying the price for some of its companies selling arms to Iran. Apparently, they are quite upset at our imposing sanctions against Sukhoi (the makers of the MiG aircraft) and the export agency Rosoboronexport, along with companies from other countries. Russia terms the sanctions "unacceptable".
I have no idea whether or not these companies actually sold arms to Iran, but their prior history, much of it spelled out in the article, certainly makes one suspect them. Their behavior in Iraq is another leading indicator (who can forget their dealings with Sadaam and the notoriously corrupt Oil for Food program at the UN). But I find it incredibly humorous to be lectured by Russians in this area. One priceless quote: "yet another illegitimate attempt to force foreign companies to follow internal American rules."
Let's see, how shall I put this... Duuuuhhhh! In the first place, we cannot "force" any foreign company to follow our rules. We can damn sure tell them that if they want our business, they will follow certain principles or they can kiss our business goodbye. The same can be said from their side of the table as well. Secondly, the fact of the matter remains that there is little that Russia can offer us that we can't obtain elsewhere or manufacture ourselves, so quit whining about the way the world works and stop selling arms to nations we don't like. The alternative is to not do business with us, and quite frankly, I don't care which alternative they choose.
We have laws that require we impose sanctions on nations who deal with Iran, particularly in the area of arms that can be used against us. Assuming the evidence of guilt is there, we have every duty to impose these sanctions, and Russia has the right to go elsewhere for their business needs if they so choose.