Dick Cheney, skilled diplomat

Does Mr. Go-Fuck-Yourself think that his snarling and curled upper lip and tough talk is going to warm Russia to him and the Bush Administration's desire to nuke the shit out of Iran (you know, in the name of "democracy")? Russia already opposes the UN sanctions against Iran. Did he think that, after his speech, Russia was gonna be all, "Sure, U.S., whatever you want, I'm down for whatever!"

Cheney, in a speech mostly devoted to praising Eastern European countries for democratic reforms, also took aim at Moscow’s use of its vast energy supplies for what Washington says is sometimes the bullying of neighbors.

“No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation,” he said.

Russia, which is trying to harness its position as an energy giant, drew international criticism earlier this year when it briefly turned off its gas taps to Ukraine in a pricing dispute that disrupted supply to Europe.

Moscow, for its part, suspects the U.S. policy of promoting global democracy is really an instrument to establish itself as the dominant power in the post-Soviet states.

Oh, that Dick. Totally a man who deeply understands the subtleties of diplomacy. For example:

Cheney, in a speech mostly devoted to praising Eastern European countries for democratic reforms, also took aim at Moscow’s use of its vast energy supplies for what Washington says is sometimes the bullying of neighbors.

“No legitimate interest is served when oil and gas become tools of intimidation or blackmail, either by supply manipulation or attempts to monopolize transportation,” he said.

Oh, snap! No he DIDN'T just call them "blackmailers." You gonna take that, Russia?

The punch line is Cheney is in the area on a six-day "pro-democracy" tour.