ever anything more than a weapon cynically exploited to advance U.S. interests

"The italicized portion of the quote explains the crux of feigned U.S. concerns for human rights abuses: it’s never genuine, never anything more than a weapon cynically exploited to advance U.S. interests. The U.S. loves human-rights-abusing regimes and always has, provided they “cooperate”: meaning, honors U.S. dictates. On human rights abuses, such compliant regimes “get at least a free pass”: at least, meaning either passive acquiescence or active support." (thanks Amir)