Russian President Vladimir Putin's blunt op-ed on the New York Times' website Wednesday night divided Twitter users, with some applauding the leader's "compelling" piece, some slamming it, and others taking the opportunity to criticize the Obama administration's handling of Syria.
A day after President Barack Obama addressed the American people,
Putin penned a letter in which he advocated for a diplomatic solution to the chemical weapons problem in Syria and warned against military action.
"The potential strike by the United States against Syria, despite strong opposition from many countries and major political and religious leaders, including the pope, will result in more innocent victims and escalation, potentially spreading the conflict far beyond Syria’s borders," he wrote. "A strike would increase violence and unleash a new wave of terrorism."
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Putin also denounced America's "exceptional" attitude.
"It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation," he wrote. "There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal."
The op-ed drew a range of responses on Twitter. Some users criticized Putin and the New York Times for giving him a platform, while others praised the Russian president's strongly worded letter and felt it made the U.S. look "weak."
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