Obama Administration Fires Back at Russian President Vladmir Putin's NYT Op-Ed on Syria

The White House shot back at Russian President Vladimir Putin who lashed out against President Obama's call for military intervention in Syria in an unusual op-ed published in the New York Times Thursday.

In the editorial, titled "A Plea for Caution from Russia," Putin stated that it was "extremely dangerous" for the United States to see itself as an exceptional nation and that military action against Syria "would increase violence and unleash a new wave of terrorism."

"It is alarming that military intervention in internal conflicts in foreign countries has become commonplace for the United States," Putin wrote. "Is it in America's long-term interest? I doubt it."

Putin continued: "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too."

He added: "Millions around the world increasingly see America not as a model of democracy but as relying solely on brute force, cobbling coalitions together under the slogan 'you're either with us or against us.'"

In response, White House press secretary Jay Carney said that the Obama administration was not surprised by Putin's words and suggested the United States did not need to be lectured on human rights and democratic principles.

"The fact is that Russia offers a stark contrast that demonstrates why America is exceptional," he said, according to USA Today.

"Unlike Russia, the United States stands up for democratic values and human rights in our own country and around the world," said White House spokesman Carney.

Carney said the Times' publication of Putin's column underscores the American commitment to freedom of expression, and "that is not a tradition shared in Russia ... And it is a fact freedom of expression has been on the decrease over the past dozen or so years in Russia."

"It is also worth noting," Carney added, "that Russia is isolated and alone in blaming the opposition for the chemical weapons attack on Aug. 21."