"I am irritated by the Christian ‘Right’ backing embargo policies against countries run by despots but embracing free-trade policies with communist countries."

This irritation has little or nothing to do with 'free-trade' philosophy and policy, but everything to do with humanitarian principles and compassion.

It seems to me that Jesus' feelings on this subject were framed by the writer of the gospel, Luke, in the 18th chapter, verses 6-16 (The Living Bible).

 7. don't you think that God will surely give justice to his people who plead with him day and night?

9. Then he told this story to some who boasted of their virtue and scorned everyone else:

10. ``Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a proud, self-righteous Pharisee..."

15. ...some mothers brought their babies to him to touch and bless. But the disciples told them to go away.

16. Then Jesus called the children over to him and said to the disciples, ``Let the little children come to me! Never send them away! For the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's. And anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom's gates.''

The lesson for nations and religious people turns on the 14th verse: I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home forgiven! For the proud shall be humbled, but the humble shall be honored.''

There are proud and pious men who are arrogantly multiplying the poverty and suffering of North Korea, Cuba, and other such countries by demanding continued enforcement of embargoes of goods and services.

These proud and pious men decry the despots leading those countries, shutting off all acts of kindness, mercy, and compassion - and so the little children there continue to suffer and hate the 'western world' who has 'shut off their bowels of compassion' toward them.'

These proud and pious men open doors of trade with other despots and perpetrators of violence against the human rights of their citizens; and we see those countries open up to the exchange of goods, services, capital, and ideas. The standard of living dramatically increases and Jesus Christ is praised 'among the heathen.'

These proud and pious men say that being tough is the only way to deal with the ills of the world. Jesus said, "...the Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's."

Whom do you chose to believe - your favorite get-tough politician or Jesus of Nazareth?

I believe that our obligation and purpose as Christians is to alleviate as much human suffering as is possible without regard to the country boundaries or politics within which that suffering occurs.

Matthew 5:43. "You have heard that it was said, `Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 
44. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 
45. that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 
46. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 
47. And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 

If this doesn't fit your politics, perhaps you need to change your kingdom allegiance.