Last week the US seized an Iranian oil tanker in Greek territorial waters. Iran summoned the Greek charges d’affaires to protest, and on Friday seized two Greek tankers which were loaded with Iraqi oil.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken slammed Iran for the “unjustified seizures” of the Greek ships. Greece is calling for the ships to be released.
This is a tough position for the Greeks, as Iran’s complaints of Greek inaction during the US “act of piracy” weren’t entirely unfounded. Greece likely felt they couldn’t do anything about the US taking a ship from their waters.
Now that Iran’s protests have extended to tit-for-tat actions on Greek ships, the Greeks similarly can’t do much about it. The US will give lip service to criticizing Iran, but so long as they got the Iranian ship, that’s probably as far as that will go.
So we take the ship, take its oil for ourselves, and then we complain when others do exactly the same thing?
LIke I always say, “Hubris and Hypocrisy are the twin hallmarks of American foreign policy.”
But you forgot “we stand taller … we see things others don’t see” and other such claptrap by the late unlamented madam Albright.
Caliman-
Often it is said: What’s good for the goose is good for the gander…
Not American geese it seems 🙂
a wise English proverb, easily predating the 1600s
see https://idiomorigins.org/origin/whats-good-for-the-goose-is-good-for-the-gander
Just like US complained against Tripoli in 1812 . Without internet’s we still would be swallowing the dirt dished out by US as facts .
Yeah. The US goes right to the source and steals oil directly from the ground in Syria. The British stole Venezuela’s gold reserves. The same states along with the EU stole $300 billions from Russia. Face it. These countries are engaged in massive theft. How are they the ones that call out other nations actions?
Its called the “Rules Based order” – one rule for me, another for you.
I call it piracy…
in this case, piracy on the high seas
…. and with very high stakes
in this case, piracy on the high seas
…. and with very high stakes
They make the rules and the rest of us obey their orders
They made pirating legal as long as they do it.
It is called “reprisal.” Since Elizabethan times, it was one of the standard answers to piracy. They take something, our people take something else back from them. It was authorized for private action by “Letters of Marque and Reprisal.” It was also done directly by governments, as here.
Is Blinken oblivious?
That question feels rhetorical…
Blinken is a clown and a coward. The US is the aggressor here; aided and abetted by the Greeks, who are a spineless set of lackeys politically. GREECE should have been the loudest in objecting to the US seizure of the Iranian tanker; since they are complicit in US piracy (which is exactly what occurred, no matter what lies Blinken spouts) they should not be surprised by Iranian retribution.
Blinken is not terribly funny as a clown and even less effective in his official capacity…
In Tony’s world, slapping sanctions on Iran for being in compliance of the JCPOA was legit. And being secretary of state to a broken down senile ridden shell of a man is the perfect fit for someone who specializes in doublespeak.
Slam all you want Blinky…. Those tankers won’t be released…Unless…?!
Only America can illegally seize property of others around the world. Got it ?!!
Blinken and Z would make a great comedy team. He can be the straight man while Z plays the piano………………
Antony Blinken is comical in his own feral way. Zelensky may be mentoring him as his comedic timing only continues to improve.
I’d like some details: the Greeks appear to be the shippers and possibly the ship owners, but re the cargo, what of the destinations/buyers of the oil shipments; was the oil paid for at completion of loading (FOB); insurance contract terms/coverage details.
Clearly this is a message to the Greeks — and others. But who beyond the Greeks, is taking a hit?
tit for tat, Blinkey, tit for tat.
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:):):)
If Iran’s boat is still in Greek waters, there may be room for negotiation between Greece and Iran. Regardless of the outcome, Greece will probably recognize that it’s better to look away if they find more “violations”.
Other countries may also become less enthusiastic about enforcing US sanctions.
also see Elijah M.
The return of the “Tanker War” with messages that affect the nuclear file
https://ejmagnier.com/2022/05/28/%ef%bf%bcthe-return-of-the-tanker-war-with-messages-that-affect-the-nuclear-file/
“…..Iran considered this act a violation of international law. Indeed, no judicial authority has the right to confiscate a tanker’s oil cargo and give it to another country under any pretext or political pressure, even from a superpower like the US. These acts indicate once more the tendency of powerful nations to no longer respect international laws….”