When I say "defend" I don't mean a blanket defense. There are good criticisms to make, some of which you've highlighted. Unfortunately, such criticisms are too often used as excuses to write off those countries entirely, and to justify any and all attacks on them. For example, I often hear it said that I shouldn't defend Palestinians, because they are anti gay. This is meant to distract us from the even greater evil occurring. You can do this with literally any country, which would mean that it isn't "remotely acceptable to defend" any of them.