I'm not making a case either way. I'm stating why I think this is being raised as an issue. You are absolutely right in that moving the conversation to be about

I'm not making a case either way. I'm stating why I think this is being raised as an issue. You are absolutely right in that moving the conversation to be about the relationships of the two countries makes a big difference in how one may feel about the ethics of the issue. People do place a great stock in loyalty and friendship, even among nations.