I think that your comments purvey an attitude I (unfortunately) come upon amongst many citizens of the USA online: That is, that America is the only country in the world that matters.

Criminals in any country will commit crimes; that is why they are called criminals. With the advent of the Information Age, and the Internet, it now becomes possible for criminals to commit crimes in multiple countries. This, also, is neither a new idea, nor surprising. What is surprising, however, is your assertion that a citizen of any nation other than the USA is not entitled to any legal proceedings, or protection.

>They aren't American citizens; they don't enjoy the rights of Americans ... Who draws the line on how many rights non-American criminals get? Should we extend our Constitution to accommodate the world?

You are absolutely correct, they aren't American citizens. They are however, I would assume, Russian citizens. Who draws the line? Why, Russia does! As citizens of that country, I would have thought it obvious that they should be covered under that country's laws. There is no need to, as you somewhat facetiously postulate, extend _your_ constitution to cover the world, as you will find that most countries already have their own systems of laws in place.

Many people, myself among them, feel that the USA is _not_ the world's policeman. That is, they are still subject to the same rights and responsibilities as the rest of the world. You do not get special exemption from due process just because you may be an economic and military power, the rest of us have to live here too.

Whatever punishment these people deserved is beside the point. The point is that the FBI engaged in activities that are illegal in another country ? and for a law enforcement agency, this is unacceptable. I can imagine the outcry if the situations were reversed, that is if a Russian agency employed similar practices against the USA! It is no different, both countries are bound to respect and obey each others laws while in the appropriate jurisdiction. Russia?s sovereign right to deal appropriately with her criminals is what was violated, and I feel indignation on her behalf.

The end does not justify the means. Law enforcement agencies are themselves subject to the law. Next time, do it right!


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