Shameful Mass Expulsion of Russian Diplomats
by Stephen Lendman (stephenlendman.org - Home - Stephen Lendman)
In response to the Skripal incident Russia had nothing to do with, the Trump administration ordered the expulsion of 60 Russian diplomats - including 48 embassy personnel and 12 members of its UN mission in New York.
A disgraceful White House statement said the following:
“Today…Trump ordered the expulsion of dozens of Russian (diplomats, falsely called spies) from the United States and the closure of the Russian consulate in Seattle…”
“The United States takes this action in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners around the world in response to Russia’s use of a military-grade chemical weapon on the soil of the United Kingdom, the latest in its ongoing pattern of destabilizing activities around the world.”
“Today’s actions make the United States safer by reducing Russia’s ability to spy on Americans and to conduct covert operations that threaten America’s national security.”
The above accusations are bald-faced lies, not a shred of evidence supporting them, Trump’s order escalating deplorable Russophobic hysteria.
Long forgotten is his rhetoric about wanting improved bilateral relations.
His action is further proof of an administration off-the rails, the nation’s bipartisan criminal class too corrupt to change.
Neocon extremists infesting it risk East/West confrontation. The unthinkable is increasingly possible, heading dangerously closer to likely.
The US, 21 European nations, Canada and Australia announced expulsions of Russian diplomats so far, following Britain’s lead.
According to European Council President Donald Tusk, “(a)dditional measures, including further sanctions within the common EU framework, cannot be excluded in the coming days and weeks.”
UK clown prince foreign minister Boris Johnson shamefully tweeted:
“Today’s extraordinary international response by our allies stands in history as the largest collective expulsion of Russian intelligence officers ever and will help defend our shared security. Russia cannot break international rules with impunity.”
A Russian Foreign Ministry statement said “(t)here will be a mirror-like response. We will work it out in the coming days and give our response with regard to each country.”
Russia’s ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov blasted what he called “counterproductive” actions, “a very bad step by cutting what very little still remains in terms of (already dismal) Russian-American relations,” adding:
Expulsions by the Trump administration constitute “a serious blow to the quantitative and qualitative composition of the Russian embassy in Washington, DC.”
“(S)uch provocative unreasonable steps cannot be left unanswered.”
There you have it, clear proof that bilateral Russian/US relations are likely ruptured beyond repair. So are relations with Britain.
Ties to other Western nations expelling Russian diplomats are in tatters - further evidence of things heading toward direct confrontation.
Moscow’s response should be harsh and swift, a strong expression of disgust and revulsion over how it’s mistreated, showing resolve over what’s unacceptable and won’t be tolerated.
It’s time for Russia to show strength and determination, defending its rights and security - hitting back hard against Washington, Britain, and co-conspiratorial nations.
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