Unsustainable Consumption

[hermit22]

I wouldn't say the Russians are very secretive of their association with the Iraqis. Its fairly commonly reported; in fact, the US released a statement promising Russia all contracts would be honored if Russia backed the UN resolution. The Soviet Union very much did not back Iraq during its existance - rather, they supported Khomeini's vengeance war against Iraq. Obviously, though, the rules of IR mean that alliances shift.

Also, Afghanistan was the Soviet Union's Vietnam. To say it was part of their sphere of influence is, well, really just wrong. It's not like they took control quickly, like in Eastern Europe. They withdrew unvictorious.

Finally, to characterize valid criticisms of US policy (even if those criticisms are unrelated), as anti-Americanism is little more than an illogical argument.