American double standard on terrorism
US President Barack Obama has condemned the attack on Moscow’s Domodedovo airport, however a number of US groups may be openly supporting of terrorist groups in Chechnya and other regions.
Investigative journalist Webster Tarpley has argued for some time that certain groups in the United States have aided and offered assistance to groups who utilize terror. US government agencies, independent groups funded by the government and advocacy organizations based in the US have openly criticized Russia for cracking down on terrorist organizations.Given the recent rise in tension between US-Russian relations via WikiLeaks, the New START debates, and corporate interests, Tarpley explained there is the possibility certain circles are connected to groups in Chechnya and other regions in Russia. US based organizations are quick to support groups fighting what is viewed as oppression. US based operations call them rebels; however they classify those like Osama bin Laden who also utilize terrorism strictly as terrorists, not rebels. “On the one side foreign countries assure us of their solidarity in the fight against terrorism, but on the other hand their intelligence services and the military, who have not abandoned their cold war prejudices, maintain contact with those the international press calls the rebels,” said Tarpley, reading from statement made in the past by Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He added, “When terrorism takes place in the US or Europe, the terrorists are immediately represented as absolute evil, which of course, they are. But, when it’s Russia, the western media are willing to entertain causes, justifications; is there some reason, are they oppressed? And then there’s also the tendency to blame the Russian authorities, that the Russian Authorities are either not oppressive enough because they didn’t have enough checks and security or they are too oppressive and holding people in the Russian Federation against their will.” In addition, there are ongoing budget issues in the United States; increased global terrorism ensures strong budgets for the US security and military apparatus. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs made the following statement on behalf of US President Barack Obama said:“I strongly condemn this outrageous act of terrorism against the Russian people at the Domodedovo Airport. I want to express the solidarity of the American people with the Russian people in the aftermath of this premeditated attack against innocent civilians. Michelle and I offer our deepest condolences to the Russian people, who have suffered greatly at the hands of terrorism. We share your sorrow and a resolve to stand with you in our common fight against those who use terrorism for their political goals. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and we are praying for a successful recovery for all of those who were injured.”Tarpley called the US response “weak”.“President Obama, famous for his speeches, famous of his ability to communicate, could have given a personal appearance on this,” he remarked. Russia is a force against terrorism and Cold War nostalgia is increasing terror. Citing Putin, Tarpley said, “You can’t have a double standard while fighting terrorism.”
