Because most of those comments are of the form "the US did this once, so why is everyone upset about Belarus doing this?" as if trying to point out some hypocri

Because most of those comments are of the form "the US did this once, so why is everyone upset about Belarus doing this?" as if trying to point out some hypocrisy, or defend Belarus. (I can't read the original comment now since it's flagged, so maybe it's not such a comment.) Which presupposes that the readers are "supporters" of either the US/EU or Belarus/Russia. As if geopolitical conversations are sports matches, and nuanced observations based on dispassionate logical thought and not political or national affiliation are not possible. Gag me with a spoon. At best, these comments derail the conversation. At worst, they are trolling or borderline nationalist propaganda. Either way they drag down the quality of discussion here on HN. Pointing out that the US's earlier actions gave Belarus cover to "justify" such actions is at least mildly interesting as dispassionate geopolitical conversation, but that's not what most of these comments are.