"As to whom the US (or any country for that matter) backs is a matter of our national interest, not a polite game of whist."

What national interest does it serve to financially support repressive regimes and then invade the country and kill the civilians because their leader violates human rights?

If I can see the error of supporting dictators, why can't the U.S. government figure it out? Or do you think that nations are disposable after they have served the interest of the United States?

If U.S. foreign policy doesn't change, it puts all of your citizens at risk. Does that serve national interest?