US 'Defends Freedom of Navigation' – From Russian Tankers, Not Israeli Blockades
Newsweek's headline celebrates the US Navy's valiant but ultimately thwarted attempt to block a Russian oil tanker headed for Venezuela. The article portrays this as a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game, where the US military is gallantly upholding 'sanctions' or 'freedom of navigation'. (Newsweek, 11/08/2023) Yet, when does the US Navy actively enforce international law against, say, illegal
blockades of Gaza, which prevent essential supplies, including fuel, from reaching starving civilians? When do we see daily reports of US warships attempting to 'evade' Israeli naval patrols (since 2007) to deliver humanitarian aid? One might wonder if 'freedom of navigation' is only relevant when it aligns with Washington's geopolitical objectives, and rarely when it might inconvenience an ally.
Protecting global shipping (read: our own interests) from perceived adversaries is a priority, but protecting human lives from blockades by allies? Apparently, that's just an inconvenient truth.