The New York Times published a world briefing today noting that the United States was cutting it’s embassy staff in half over a long standing dispute with Belarus.

The rift between the Bush Administration and Belarus began from the re-election of President Alexander Lukashenko, in which most independent sources stated that the election did not meet international standards. The United States became a vocal opponent of this election, and the tensions have escalated ever since.

After the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Bush Administration and others have frequently cited the close relationship between the Husseins and Belarus, even going so far as to suggest that Uday Hussein was issued a secret place of refuge during the war.

Citing human rights abuses, the United States also placed sanctions on state run petrochemical company Belneftekhim, much to their chagrin.

Furthering their expressed distaste, the US Congress passed the Belarus Democracy Act, funding various human rights groups and independent media working for democracy.

Soon after, the U.S. and Belarus stopped issuing visas to each other’s countries. The United States eventually recalled it’s ambassador, and Belarus claimed to have uncovered a United States run spy ring.

So retrospectively, it’s not very surprising that these latest events have occurred. While I appreciate the United States (for once) taking a hard line stand to promote human rights (when they are of no use for oil, a strategic base, etc.), I do hope that we do eventually come back to the bargaining table. To do otherwise would simply place their dependency in the hands of Vladimir Putin and Hugo Chavez, an action that could set democracy in Belarus back even further.