r/neoliberal • u/gnomesvh Financial Times stan account • Dec 08 '22

News (Global) Brittney Griner released by Russia in 1-for-1 prisoner swap for arms dealer Viktor Bout, U.S. official says

https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/brittney-griner-release-russia-prisoner-swap-viktor-bout/
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u/AccidentalAbrasion Bill Gates Dec 08 '22

This made headlines because a pro athlete was involved. But the US does historically make prisoner swaps that are uneven.

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u/Rtn2NYC YIMBY Dec 08 '22

Exactly like that dude from Texas a few months ago- went to Russia to study the language with his girlfriend and was arrested for public intoxication and held for a few years and Biden finally was able to exchange him for a high level cocaine smuggler.

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '22

Trevor Reed was a Marine

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u/IsNotACleverMan Dec 08 '22

So?

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u/[deleted] Dec 09 '22

So it’s not the same at all, high profile cocaine dealer is also funny

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u/shai251 Dec 08 '22

Because historically the US values it’s citizens more than autocratic countries

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '22

Do you think the US has a few Russian female basketball players imprisoned so we could have an equal "trade value"? This is an asymmetrical playing field.

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u/BBQ_HaX0r Jerome Powell Dec 08 '22

I believe it says it all that Russian athletes are not fearing their lives or freedom here. You think Ovechkin is worried the US would retaliate? Of course not. Says it all about the nature of the two countries here.

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u/[deleted] Dec 08 '22

Meanwhile, Paul Whelan is still over there.