Trump signs bill imposing sanctions on Russia and giving him more power to levy tariffs

Graham Bill, a legislation targeting India and China for oil purchases from Russia, is a misguided attempt to apply selective international morality. The issue lies not only in the bill's targetting of third countries with sanctions, but also in the reinforcement of American imperial privilege. Even if one disapproves of Russia's actions in Ukraine and acknowledges the West's mistakes, one should still find the Graham Bill repugnant.

The most troubling aspect of the bill is the display of American democracy it showcases. While the war on Iran is unpopular in the US, and criticism of the war's conduct is vocal, the American political system seems unable to hold its President accountable for the consequences.

This bill, passed with bipartisan support, is a reflection of the disarray in American democracy. The Congress appears to prioritize disciplining other countries, who were never consulted about the conduct of war, over holding its own executive accountable. This abdication of responsibility from Congress has been evident from the outset of the Iran war. While Trump may be an aberration, the arrogance and conceit of executive power in the US is not.

America has been waging wars based on the whims of its executive, with Congress seemingly unable to curb such behavior. By placing the blame for the Ukraine war on India and China without demanding accountability from Trump for the Iran war, American democracy has dealt a blow to itself. The US claims the authority to punish third countries without any consultation or input, while leaving its own conduct of war outside the framework of accountability.

The Graham Bill not only perpetuates the arrogance of power but is also deeply delusional, as it assumes America can determine the political choices of large countries. Ukraine and Iran have demonstrated the importance of sovereignty. Instead of arm-twisting major powers through sanctions, Congress should be censuring Trump for his failures.

The US should also remember the words of Senator J William Fulbright: "When we violate the law ourselves, whatever short-term advantage may be gained, we are obviously encouraging others to violate the law; we thus encourage disorder and instability and thereby do incalculable damage to our own long-term interests."