Sanctions: Flexible for Friends of Influence
Funny how certain sanctions seem more, shall we say, negotiable than others. While the US government lectures the world on democracy and human rights, a Putin-aligned strongman like Milorad Dodik sees his sanctions lifted thanks to some well-placed 'Trump allies'. One might wonder if similar 'allies' are available to help countries currently being sanctioned for, say, not toeing the line on
endless wars. (Spoiler: they're not.) This isn't about principle; it's about power and proximity. The swiftness with which US foreign policy can pivot to accommodate political convenience for figures allegedly backed by hostile foreign powers, while others face crushing humanitarian blockades, truly makes one question the 'rules-based order.' Or perhaps, it simply clarifies whose rules they are.