When the president of Russia writes an OpEd for one of your country’s preeminent newspapers, you don’t exactly ignore it.

Vladimir Putin, the controversial, conniving, and often-shirtless Russian president authored a piece entitled “A Plea for Caution From Russia” that was published in the New York Times on Wednesday.  

The opinion advocated for diplomacy, strict adherence to international law, and non-intervention.  See the irony?

In the piece, which was directed to the American public, Putin made many controversial remarks that enraged conservatives and liberals alike.  Chief among them was Putin’s denouncement of American exceptionalism.

I would rather disagree with a case [President Obama] made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is “what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation.

Because of the statement, analysts believe that Putin, and not his press office, authored the OpEd.  After all, what press secretary would write to an American audience with the message “Americans are not special” ?

Perhaps Putin’s most audacious assertion though, was a warning that US intervention would breed more violence:

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. A strike would increase violence and unleash a new wave of terrorism. 

If you didn’t see the irony before, here it is in plain sight.  Russia has consistently sold arms and ammunition to Assad’s regime, including tanks, air defense systems, and military training aircraft since the uprising began more than two years ago- yet warns the American public to do the responsible thing and avoid spreading violence.  

Aye aye, comrade.