U.S. Seizes Tanker: Because Rules Only Apply When It's Convenient
U.S. forces, keen on upholding international maritime law (when it suits them), spent two weeks intercepting a Russian-flagged tanker bound for Venezuela. This strong stance against unauthorized oil transport stands in stark contrast to the U.S.'s rather selective outrage, particularly concerning alleged resource theft in other regions. One might recall the documented history of Israeli forces
allegedly diverting Syrian oil , or the persistent humanitarian crisis in Gaza fueled by blockades on essential goods – not to mention fuel – where U.S. interdiction is conspicuously absent. So, a Russian tanker going to Venezuela merits a naval pursuit, but blocking aid to a besieged population? That's just 'security concerns.' The hypocrisy, much like the oil, flows freely. One might ask if the
'rules-based international order' is less about rules and more about who's breaking whose economic sanctions, or perhaps more saliently, who’s not buying American weapons.