Practice what you preach, Mr. Putin, both abroad and at home!

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR - NYT

A Plea for Caution From Russia

What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria

By VLADIMIR V. PUTIN
Published: September 11, 2013

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Comment by Mike Carlsbad, CA:

"Under current international law, force is permitted only in self-defense or by the decision of the Security Council. Anything else is unacceptable under the United Nations Charter and would constitute an act of aggression."

This statement alone makes me ignore this opinion piece. Isn't this from the same country that unilaterally decided to invade the independent country of Georgia? Is your advice "Do as I say, not as I do?", Mr. Putin?
This statement alone makes me ignore this opinion piece. Isn't this from the same country that unilaterally decided to invade the independent country of Georgia? Is your advice "Do as I say, not as I do?", Mr. Putin?

Sept. 11, 2013 at 9:56 p.m.

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Mike Nova replies to this comment:

Exactly! Practice what you preach, Mr. Putin, both abroad and at home! This article is just a part of your "active measures" propaganda program which you have started after your "reelection" to the very questionably legitimate and unprecedented in the practice of modern civilised states your third presidential term, paved by bending the law which you profess to respect so much. Morality and fairness start at home: free Pussy Riot and political prisoners of Bolotnaya Square protests; look into your "anti gay propaganda law" which led to people been killed on the streets. As for Syria, of course cooperation and working together is desirable and it is the preferred option, but it has to be honest and sincere and not just a delaying tactic. If the chemical weapons are not removed from the hands of the oppressive regime (and the main proof of its complicity, besides all the "material" proofs, is a common sense reasoning, indeed) they will be used again and exactly this circumstance "will result in more innocent victims and escalation", as you put it. Work in good faith with the US and the UN to remove and destroy these weapons, and it will be in everyone's "long-term interests"! These actions will speak much louder than any words and articles and hopefully will lead to fruitful cooperation in many other important matters. The threat of force must stay on the table, this is a practical reality, and as a very pragmatic politician, I am sure, you are aware of this yourself.
America is blessed with its people, intelligent, reasonable and good natured. They do not rely on "brute force", they do not need a slogan “you’re either with us or against us.” America is different, it is exceptional and it is a model of democracy; we know that, and you know that, and you know that very well (your latest propaganda campaign notwithstanding). Not just because it is very strong but because it is very fair. Americans do not harbor any ill feelings towards Russia, Syria or any other country or people and they will always welcome the sincere and honest cooperation. America, as the leading country of the world (not just economically or militarily, but morally and as a leader of the alliance of free nations) does have a unique responsibility to its own people and to the peoples of the world. And this responsibility will be fulfilled, no matter what; words, articles or any other type of propaganda. And it is in Russia's best interests to share in fulfillment of these responsibilities and to aspire to become a truly free nation and to truly join the alliance of free nations, not just as a part of illusory G-7+1 group, but as an organic and full member of G-8, in all respects. It will not happen right away, it will take time and hard efforts and work, but historically it is the most natural way for Russia, and maybe the only way. If you see and realise this, it might be your historical chance to start moving along this road and towards this goal.

This comment in its brief version was published in the NYT at the following address:

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/opinion/putin-plea-for-caution-from-russia-on-syria.html?comments#permid=105:6