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Bush, Iran and Selective Outrage

Those pesky Iranians, a nation said by George Bush to be one of the 3 "axis of evil" countries.

Now, they have captured some Brit soldiers and are detaining them. Outrage from all the usual quarters. But, an examination of the matter is worthwhile, as Robert Parry has, in this piece on consortiumnews:

"One of the least endearing features of Washington’s political/media hierarchy is its propensity for selective outrage, like what is now coming from George W. Bush about the “inexcusable behavior” of the Iranian government in holding 15 British sailors whom Bush has labeled “hostages.”

This is the same President Bush who often mocks the very idea that international law should apply to him; he’s fond of the punch line: “International law? I better call my lawyer.” But Bush becomes a pious defender of international law when it suits his geopolitical interests.

The major U.S. news media predictably follows along, getting into an arms-crossed harrumph over foreigners trampling on the inviolate principles of international law, the same rules that should never constrain U.S. actions."


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