Putin pens NYT op-ed urging 'caution' in Syria

[cal04]

A Plea for Caution From Russia
What Putin Has to Say to Americans About Syria
By VLADIMIR V. PUTIN
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/12/opinion/putin-plea-for-caution-from-russia-on-syria.html?ref=opinion&_r=0

RECENT events surrounding Syria have prompted me to speak directly to the American people and their political leaders. It is important to do so at a time of insufficient communication between our societies.

Relations between us have passed through different stages. We stood against each other during the cold war. But we were also allies once, and defeated the Nazis together. The universal international organization — the United Nations — was then established to prevent such devastation from ever happening again.

(snip)
If we can avoid force against Syria, this will improve the atmosphere in international affairs and strengthen mutual trust. It will be our shared success and open the door to cooperation on other critical issues.

My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this. I carefully studied his address to the nation on Tuesday. And I would rather disagree with a case he made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is “what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal.

Putin pens NYT op-ed urging 'caution' in Syria
http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/11/20444693-putin-pens-nyt-op-ed-urging-caution-in-syria?lite

[flamingdem]

1. Now Obama will write one for RT?

Things are getting surreal

[Politicalboi]

2. STFU Puty

” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal.

Except of course if you're gay. FU Puty.

[pkdu]

3. Putin...."when WE ask for the Lords Bessings"...bwahahah....

HA..fucking ha.

[Cha]

10. "Putin jails journalists and LGBT people and what's the @NYTimes response?"

Nerdy Wonka @NerdyWonka

Putin jails journalists and LGBT people and what's the @NYTimes response? Let's give that guy a platform to talk about democracy.3:58 PM - 11 Sep 2013

50 Retweets 10 favorites Reply

http://theobamadiary.com/2013/09/11/night-owls-jukebox-pt-5/#comments

[eissa]

4. This is scary

It's actually very well-written and he makes some excellent points. Who would've thought it would take a Russian president to explain international law to us?

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. It is a remarkable essay and a remarkable piece of diplomacy.

[Catherina]

6. and it is getting a remarkable, receptive reaction from the majority of NYT subscribers

with well-phrased comments to Putin about his need to respect LGBT rights.

And thanks to him and the NYT also

Plomo 55, ny ny

The New York Times has done an enormous public service by printing President Putin's amazingly moving statement. The majority reactions echo the readers gratitude. These are rare moments that should give pause to those mired in partisan politics, oblivious of the real world which affects us all.

Sept. 11, 2013 at 7:29 p.m. | Recommend 18

Michael Olenick, W. Palm Beach, FL

President Putin has done a much better job explaining the issues in one editorial than President Obama has in weeks, probably because his explanation makes sense. Russia tried to warn us about everything from Afghanistan to the Boston marathon bombers but, for some reason, our government keeps ignoring them; it's time we listen. Taking the unprecedented step of talking directly to the American people also shows a faith in our ability to listen.

Sept. 11, 2013 at 7:21 p.m. | Recommend 24

And the highest rated comment so far

Judyw, Cumberland, MD

BRAVO - great editorial. I hope our Congress reads it. Best written on the problems in Syria. I applaud the NYT for publishing this. Some real words of wisdom in it.

Sept. 11, 2013 at 6:51 p.m. |Recommend 106

[nadinbrzezinski]

7. Here is my take on it

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023650514

I will admit, I am reeling at the 1930s flashback due to a couple paras.

[LittleBlue]

8. The president should have been this concise on Tuesday

Putin basically advocates a clear, legal definition of his position. The president's speech seemed to be full of contradictions.

[Cha]

9. "..we must not forget that God created us equal." tell that to the

GLBT community in Russia. Liar