Earlier this year, women’s basketball player Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia and sentenced to nine years behind bars. This happened after Russian airport authorities discovered vape cartridges with cannabis oil on her person.
Since February, Griner’s been detained in Russia. Here in the states, Joe Biden and his administration alleged they were working to get her released. Yesterday, news broke that Griner was let go in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
Many Americans have their thoughts about this trade, what it means for America, what it means for Russia, etc. However, as more questions and concerns are brought up, Biden is under fire for how he ultimately handled this, as reported by Red State.
Serious Concerns From the American People
Many Americans have stated the swap of Griner for Bout works too much in favor of the Russian government. Bout is a dangerous arms dealer that was serving out a lengthy sentence here in the United States.
The value that Bout brings to Russia has also been pointed out by critics of this latest swap. In Russia, the arms dealer is a military intelligence service operative. Furthermore, amid Bout’s release, the US president proved to Russia that taking American hostages is a great way to get what they want.
Biden Admin appears to be lying about Griner trade. They had the option to choose Whelan and declined.
— Jordan Schachtel @ dossier.substack.com (@JordanSchachtel) December 8, 2022
Therefore, it’s very much likely that the Russian government will keep this in mind when handling future affairs that involve America.
On top of that, Biden is being criticized for failing to bring home detained American Marine Paul Whelan. Whelan has been in Russian captivity for years, despite the US government acknowledging that the charges against him were not of legitimate standing.
The trial that Paul Whelan received was also viewed as a sham. Biden has yet to get him out and there doesn’t seem to be any timeframe as to when Whelan’s situation will change.
Little Consolation From Biden
The Biden administration claims when working with Russia, it didn’t have the option of bringing Whelan home. However, this has been disputed.
Some reports allege Biden could have brought home Whelan, but instead chose to go with Griner.
In the wake of these allegations, it’s also been speculated that Biden’s release of Griner is more about him scoring political points, even if Russia gained more than America with this transaction.
US Marine Paul Whelan
Bring him home.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 8, 2022
At the end of the day, this trade and its implications are going to keep being talked about by the American people. The Biden administration can also expect more questions about it going forward.
What do you think about Joe Biden’s decision to trade women’s basketball player Brittney Griner for a Russian arms dealer, while leaving US Marine Paul Whelan in detention? Let us know in the comments area if you believe Biden will take any serious measures to bring Whelan home.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
