This story about Russian foreign policy could easily have taken the same view. But instead it is all just "checkbook diplomacy" in action:
Russia is using its energy wealth to shore up influence abroad, pouring billions of dollars in loans and grants into former Soviet states and long-standing allies — even as it faces its own severe economic downturn.
Faced with its own economic crisis, the Kremlin could have downplayed its drive to reclaim its former status as a "great power" and fight fires at home.
Instead, armed with cash hoarded during years of high oil prices, Russia has gone on a cash offensive — pledging loans and aid to Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Armenia. It has tied in its neighbors to crucial energy deals, and has talked about lending billions of dollars to Ukraine and Serbia.
Russia has sought to hold protective sway over what it calls its "near abroad," a region that includes most of Moscow's former imperial possessions. It has railed against its neighbors' efforts to move closer to Europe, and resisted Western influence on what it regards as its home turf.
Yes, the article describes how the Russian strategy could fail. But never does it drip with the disdain our press had for our policy of rewarding allies for helping us in Iraq.
Paying allies is a time-tested foreign policy tool. Nations all look to their interests, for the most part, and wanting aid for help is normal.
The press shows its bias by only failing to see this reality when it comes to America.
