Hypocrisy and War

When our common humanity is under threat, even if we can’t do everything we should, shouldn’t we at least do what we can? Libya and Côte d’Ivoire pass the five tests of legitimacy that any outside military intervention must meet, whereas Bahrain, Syria and Yemen do not, partly because other options have not been exhausted.

MELBOURNE – All the world hates a hypocrite. When states preach virtues they do not practice, or set lower hurdles for allies, trading partners, or co-religionists than they do for others, irritation and non-cooperation are the least they can expect. International policymaking is a hardheaded, cynical business, but tolerance for double standards has its limits.

https://prosyn.org/U3uZmks