From The Observer's editorial desk:
America and Britain talk about human rights and democracy as if their benefits are self-evident and universal. But when it suits their strategic aims, in Latin America, Central Asia or the Middle East, they collaborate with brutal dictatorships.
OK, so you should practise what you preach. But can't you also preach what you practise if you do practise it? America and Britain do have a certain record they can point to as democracies. And the benefits of human rights and democracy are universal, aren't they? Or did The Observer change its spots and retreat from its attachment to liberalism?
American and European interests will not be served by military grandstanding and asserting the moral superiority of their political systems.
Hmmm... I thought democratic political systems were superior. I thought The Observer might think this too. Onward...
China and Russia have since concluded that authoritarian nationalism can compete with political liberalism.
That might suit the interests of regimes in Beijing and Moscow, but it would ultimately be a tragedy for the people they rule.
Ah, so there are universal benefits. Political liberalism is superior for 'the people'.
Far better they [the people of Russia and China] be persuaded that political pluralism, individual liberties and human rights are values to be embraced, not because the West says they are, but because their rigorous application in Western societies yields manifest global success.
Let them be persuaded by the successful practical effects of rights and liberties and pluralism; only don't say that these values are better because of the practical effects.
This new Cold War will be won not by preaching democracy, but by practising it.
Except that we at The Observer are allowed to preach about it, in the way that we're doing right here.
In other words, it's liberalism of a confused, feeble, apologise-for-ourselves stripe - while out of the side of the mouth you say that you personally, as a commentator, are totally OK. For you don't say, straight out, better; you say rhubarb, rhubarb, better. (Thanks: RB.)