Item 1: The U.S., responsible for making Israel a major military nuclear power, is threatening to go to war to prevent a neighboring state from establishing a peacetime nuclear capability. It is one of the hypocritical aspects of U.S. foreign policy about which the Islamic world is most aware, and one that in no small way fosters the rage that gives rise to "terrorist" acts.
Item 2: Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa, when asked to renew the lease in his country for an American military installation answered that it would be OK if he could establish a military base in Florida. The U.S. didn't care for that response, but by humorously pointing out American hypocrisy it won him points throughout South America.
Item 3: American warships have been a presence on the Iranian coast for years. Recently, some were buzzed by Iranians in what appeared to be not much larger than cigarette boats, and the U.S. was quick to shout "provocation!" If Iranian warships ever were to cruise the U.S. coastline in similar fashion, would they be quickly dispatched? But of course.
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Two weeks ago, when asked what his pet peeve is, Senator John McCain said that it's hypocrisy. Oh how he hates hypocrisy. Given that unrelenting hypocrisy is a hallmark of U.S. foreign policy about which the rest of the world is very aware and concerned, and given that McCain is doing very well among republican contenders for the White House, it might be well for some journalist to ask the Senator in public forum how his hatred of hypocrisy would change ("Change". That word again) foreign policy around this world in which some 120 countries enjoy a U.S. military presence.
