Paradoxical Politics: Putin’s Hypocrisy Exposed Amid Rising Tensions
In a recent segment, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara delivered a penetrating analysis of the escalating tensions following the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. This discussion unfolded in the wake of a strikingly incongruous stance taken by Russia, which condemned the U.S. actions at an emergency United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, all while actively engaging in its own military aggression in Ukraine.
Bishara pointed out the paradox of Russia’s position: on one hand, it is invading Ukraine, while on the other, it attempts to present itself as a mediator in regional conflicts. This duality raises questions about the motivations behind Moscow’s foreign policy, particularly as it seeks to counterbalance U.S. influence over Israel by potentially forging closer ties with Tehran.
Delving deeper, Bishara dismissed former President Donald Trump’s calls for "regime change" in Iran as mere attention-seeking theatrics. He highlighted how Trump’s erratic decision-making often bypassed established security protocols, leading to unpredictable outcomes. The former president’s rhetoric, according to Bishara, reflects a broader trend of volatility that has characterized U.S. policy in the region.
Highlighting the unprecedented reliance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on U.S. presidents, Bishara noted a critical point: neither Trump nor current President Joe Biden has effectively utilized this leverage to constrain Israeli actions in the occupied territories. This observation underscores a troubling pattern where Israeli narratives consistently overshadow U.S. intelligence assessments, raising concerns about the overall direction of U.S. foreign policy.
Contextualizing the recent military actions, Bishara provided a wider lens through which to view the ongoing U.S. military interventions in Muslim nations over the past 15 years, arguing that the attack on Iran fits into this long-standing pattern. He emphasized that such interventions not only reflect military might but also signify a disruptive presence in complex geopolitical landscapes that often exacerbate existing tensions.
Through this lens, the contradictions in Russian and U.S. policies become stark and troubling, revealing a complex web of interests and motivations. The situation poses crucial questions about the future of international diplomacy, regional stability, and the role of major powers in conflicts with global ramifications. As the chess game of international politics unfolds, the stakes continue to rise, and the implications for countries like Ukraine and Iran remain profoundly significant.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Paradoxical Putin condemns US strikes as Russian bombs fall on Ukraine: Marwan Bishara” was uploaded on 06/23/2025 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English