In Start a War to Win an Election News...

From the Guardian: Obama orders new sanctions on Iran, including 'deceptive' Central Bank.

President Barack Obama has ordered new sanctions on Iran, including its Central Bank, moving to enforce a law he signed in December.

In a letter to Congress Monday, Obama said more sanctions are warranted "particularly in light of the deceptive practices of the Central Bank of Iran and other Iranian banks." He said the problems included the hiding transactions of sanctioned parties, the deficiencies of Iran's anti-money laundering regime and the unacceptably high risk posed to the entire international financial system posed by Iran's activities.

I know that I'm just a dirty hate-America hippie and all, but I continue to be amazed by the US' unmitigated temerity to justify its continued belligerence toward Iran by pointing out that Iran is doing the same shit that we are.

"They want nuclear weaponry!" So do we. "They allow government shenanigans!" So do we. "They treat women like second-class citizens!" So do we. "They are allowing dodgy banking practices!" So do we.

That is not, of course, an argument in favor of the Iranian government's warmongering, corruption, misogyny, and general shadiness. It's an argument against warmongering, corruption, misogyny, and general shadiness, no matter whence it emanates.