Why the Double Standard on Iran and Russia?

Letter to the Editor

Why the Double Standard on Iran and Russia?

There’s a glaring contradiction in the way some American leaders treat two of our most critical foreign policy challenges—Iran and Russia. The U.S. is unwavering in helping Israel defend itself from Iran, and rightly so. Yet when it comes to Ukraine defending itself from Russia—a nation every bit as dangerous and imperialist as Iran—the support becomes controversial, politicized, or flat-out denied. Why?

Let’s be honest: this inconsistency rests largely with one man—Donald Trump.

While Trump publicly praised Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran and took strong pro-Israel positions, he showed little of the same resolve when it came to Ukraine. Despite Russia’s full-scale invasion and ongoing atrocities, Trump has repeatedly signaled reluctance to support Ukraine. He even delayed military aid while pressuring Ukraine’s president for political favors—a move that led to his first impeachment. And more recently, Trump has openly suggested he would let Russia “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO countries that don’t pay more of their fair share of GDP. How is this leadership?

The deeper concern is Trump’s cozy, almost deferential relationship with Vladimir Putin. From refusing to confront Putin over election interference to undermining U.S. intelligence agencies, Trump has consistently treated Putin more like a friend than a threat. This raises a troubling question: Why? What does Putin have on Trump? Whatever the reason, it’s not in America's interest, and it certainly doesn’t help Ukraine—or any of our allies.

Contrast that with President Biden, who has shown moral clarity and strategic focus. Under his administration, the United States has committed tens of billions in military aid to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression. This is not charity. It is a defense of democracy, international law, and the post-World War II order. Biden’s support of Ukraine is the same principle that underlies our support of Israel: nations have a right to defend themselves from authoritarian regimes that seek to dominate or destroy them.

We cannot afford to play favorites based on political tribalism. Iran is a danger to Israel. Russia is a danger to Ukraine—and to the entire democratic world. Both must be confronted. If we applaud support for Israel while turning a blind eye to Ukraine, we are not being principled. We are being partisan.

Let’s call this what it is: Trump’s unwillingness to support Ukraine isn’t a reflection of American values. It’s a reflection of his own strange entanglement with Putin. The American people, and our allies around the world, deserve much better. And so does Ukraine.

Sincerely,

H. James Hulton III

1408 Avenel Blvd.

North Wales, PA 19454

484-467-8364

blueyes15074@yahoo.com