The leaders of this regime, spitting out arguments based on ancient history and consanguinity, repeatedly and pointedly make sovereign claims to territories and islands on the continent's periphery. They boldly threaten with virtual annihilation those who would stand in the way of these claims. At home, these leaders demonstrate the amorality of their power lust in the way they treat their own people. Freedom of the press, freedom of religion and private property rights are flatly denied. Political rights do not exist.
Due process is unheard of.
Political and religious dissidents are routinely swept off the streets, detained without trial, and sent to reeducation through labor camps strung out across the countryside like a Gulag Archipelago. Forced to make an emergency landing on that power's territory, the 24 crew members from this damaged U.S. plane are taken hostage. They are held for more than a week, while the leaders of the regime bluster, stoking up anti-Americanism among their people, demanding an apology from the United States. In the latter case, President Clinton commenced the war even without the congressional authorization required by our Constitution. Each comes with a price.