19th-century behavior in 21st-century

I just listened to a NPR News podcast. It was about the conflict between Russian and the US over Ukraine. The reporter quoted two sobering statements from the U.S. administration. “The United States and our allies will not hesitate to use 21st-century tools to hold Russia accountable for 19th-century behavior,” said John Kerry. Earlier, President Obama noted “Leaders and dignitaries of the European Union, representatives of our NATO alliance, distinguished guests, we meet here at a moment of testing for Europe and the United States and for the international order that we have worked for generations to build."

They are right. Russia used its military force to invade another country without UN approval and in disregard of international law. Russia acted upon its national interest and made the decision with the support of the Duma. So the U.S. administration is right, this behavior does appertain to a past century, but does the US behave differently? The US invaded Iraq and occupied that country in the second Gulf War based upon which international law and with what approval from the UN? Moreover, was the US pretext to attack Iraq justified? Recently, in deciding whether or not to attack Syria, did Obama ask for UN permission or did he just ask the US Congress? Some might say that Obama tried to obtain UN approval. But Russia vetoed the attempt in order to protect its ally. But this raises the question whether this is not exactly like US behavior to protect Israel.

From the place that I stand - as a non-Russian and non-American - both of those powers more or less exhibit the same behavior, in which case what Russia did is not exceptional at all. For me it doesn't matter which side wins or loses. In fact, this conflict could benefit Iran. I believe that every power NEEDS to have an enemy. (I wish they didn't.) But because of the nature of power after the Cold War the US makes fake enemies like Iran and the media exaggerates how Iran could be a threat to the US. If Russia plays the role of enemy again then the US might leave Iran alone.