Targeted Assasinations: Ok for other states but not for Israel?

Yesterday, the Russian military proudly announced that it had killed the Chechen rebel leader, Aslan Maskhadov, in a "special operation.” http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-02/14/content_306086.htm This is not the first time the Russians have assassinated or tried to assassinate Chechen leaders. For example, Omar Ibn al Khattab in 2002 and Zelimkhan Yandarbiyev just last month.

Now, I have no issue with Russia’s right to defend itself against Muslim terrorists from Chechnya. Likewise, I have no issue with the United States which bombed Gaddaffi’s tent, killed Saddam’s sons, and will not be having tea with Osama Bin Laden when they catch him. My problem is with world hypocrisy in criticizing Israel for doing the very same thing. The U.N. only recently condemned Israel for the assassination of Hamas leader Yassin with Russia voting in favor.

How to explain this blatant hypocrisy? There is and always has been a double standard towards the Jewish State just as there has long been a double standard towards the Jewish People. This double standard has been around for a long time and has a name: Anti-Semitism. It is time we recognized it for what it is and treat it accordingly.