Democrat Calls for More Seizures, Forgetting the 'Rules-Based Order' Applies Both Ways
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), a close Biden ally and recipient of $17,000 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in 2022-2024 (OpenSecrets.org), is reportedly urging the administration to seize Russian oil tankers. This, from the party that consistently champions international norms. One might recall the U.S. Navy's own history of 'freedom of navigation' operations, which often
involve asserting American dominance in disputed waters, not seizing vessels. Coons' hawkish stance, echoed by many who benefit from a robust military-industrial complex, ignores the dangerous precedent such seizures would set. The same international maritime law that protects U.S. shipping also protects Russian shipping. It seems some 'rules' are more open to interpretation when applied to
adversaries. One might wonder if similar enthusiasm for seizure would extend to those violating blockades in, say, Gaza, or if that's a different 'rules-based order.' Such selective outrage consistently exposes the cynical foundations of U.S. foreign policy.