Military superpower Russia, having had enough of U.S./NATO bullying, is now dictating the terms of a new arrangement.
By Pepe Escobar posted with permission and widely cross-posted
Coming straight from President Putin, it did sound like a bolt from the sky:
“We need long-term legally binding guarantees even if we know they cannot be trusted, as the U.S. frequently withdraws from treaties that become uninteresting to them. But it’s something, not just verbal assurances.”
And that’s how Russia-U.S. relations come to the definitive crunch – after an interminable series of polite red alerts coming from Moscow.
Putin once again had to specify that Russia is looking for “indivisible, equitable security” – a principle established since Helsinki in 1975 – even though he no longer sees the U.S. as a dependable “partner”, that diplomatically nicety so debased by the Empire since the end of the USSR.
The “frequently withdrawing from treaties” passage can easily be referred to as Washington in 2002 under Bush Jr. pulling out of the ABM treaty signed between the U.S. and the USSR in 1972. Or it could be referred to as the U.S. under Trump destroying the JCPOA signed with Iran and guaranteed by the UN. Precedents abound.
Putin was once again exercising the Taoist patience so characteristic of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: explaining the obvious not only to a Russian but also a global audience. The Global South may easily understand this reference; “When international law and the UN Charter interfere, they [the U.S.] declare it all obsolete and unnecessary.”
Earlier, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko had been uncommonly assertive – leaving nothing for the imagination:
“We just make it clear that we are ready to talk about switching over from a military or a military-technical scenario to a political process that will strengthen the security of all countries in the area of the OCSE, Euro-Atlantic and Eurasia. If that doesn’t work out, we signaled to them [NATO] that we will also move over to creating counter threats, but it will then be too late to ask us why we made these decisions and why we deployed these systems.”
So in the end it comes down to Europeans facing “the prospect of turning the continent into a field of military confrontation.” That will be the inevitable consequence of a NATO “decision” actually decided in Washington.
Incidentally: any possible, future “counter threats” will be coordinated between Russia and China.
Mr. Zircon is on the line, Sir
Every sentient being from Atlanticist shores to Eurasian steppes by now knows the content of the Russian draft agreements on security guarantees presented to the Americans, as detailed by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov.
Key provisions include no further NATO expansion; no Ukraine admission; no NATO shenanigans in Ukraine, Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia and Central Asia; Russia and NATO agreeing not to deploy intermediate and short-range missiles in areas from where they can hit each other’s territory; establishment of hotlines; and the NATO-Russia Council actively involved in resolving disputes.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs extensively reiterated that the Americans received “detailed explanations of the logic of the Russian approach”, so the ball is in Washington’s court.
Well, National Security advisor Jake Sullivan at first seemed to kick it, when he admitted, on the record, that Putin may not want to “invade” Ukraine.
Then there were rumblings that the Americans would get back to Moscow this week with their own “concrete security proposals”, after de facto writing the script for their NATO minions, invariably conveyed in spectacularly mediocre fashion by secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg.
The Ukraine narrative didn’t change an inch: “severe measures” – of an economic and financial nature – remain in the pipeline if Russia engages in “further aggression” in Ukraine.
Moscow was not fooled. Ryabkow had to specify, once again, that the Russian proposals were on a bilateral basis. Translation: we talk only to those with deciding power, not to minions. The involvement of other countries, Ryabkov said, “will deprive them of their meaning.”
From the start, NATO’s response had been predictably obvious: Russia is conducting a “substantial, unprovoked, and unjustified” military buildup along its border with Ukraine and is making “false … claims of Ukrainian and NATO provocations”.
That once again proved the point it’s a monumental waste of time to discuss with yapping chihuahuas of the Stoltenberg variety, for whom “NATO expansion will continue, whether Russia likes it or not.”
In fact, whether U.S. and NATO functionaries like it or not, what’s really happening in the realpolitk realm is Russia dictating new terms from a position of power. In a nutshell: you may learn the new game in town in a peaceful manner, civilized dialogue included, or you will learn the hard way via a dialogue with Mr. Iskandr, Mr. Kalibr, Mr. Khinzal and Mr. Zircon.
The inestimable Andrei Martyanov has extensively analysed for years now all the details of Russia’s overwhelming military dominance, hypersonic and otherwise, across the European space – as well as the dire consequences if the U.S. and NATO minions “decide that they want to continue to play dumb.”
Martyanov has also noted that Russia “understands the split with the West and is ready to take any consequences, including, already declining, shrinkage of trade and reduction of the supply of hydrocarbons to the EU.”
That’s where the whole ballet around the security guarantees intersects with the crucial Pipelineistan angle. To sum it all up: exit Nord Stream 2, enter Power of Siberia 2.
So let’s revisit why the looming energy catastrophe in the EU is not forcing anyone in Russia to lose his/her sleep.
Dancing in the Siberian night
One of the top takeaways of the strategic Putin-Xi video conference last week was the immediate future of Power of Siberia 2 – which will snake in across Mongolia to deliver up to 50 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to China.
So it was hardly an accident that Putin received Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in the Kremlin, the day after he talked to Xi, to discuss Power of Siberia 2. The key parameters of the pipeline have already been set, a feasibility study will be completed in early 2022, and the deal – minus last-minute pricing tune-ups – is practically clinched.
Power of Siberia 2 follows the 2,200 km long Power of Siberia 1, launched in 2019 from Eastern Siberia to northern China and the focus of a $400 billion deal struck between Gazprom and China’s CNPC. Power of Siberia 1’s full capacity will be reached in 2025, when it will be supplying 38 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
Power of Siberia 2, a much bigger operation, was planned years ago, but it was hard to find consensus on the final route. Gazprom wanted Western Siberia to Xinjiang across the Altai mountains. The Chinese wanted transit via Mongolia straight into central China. The Chinese eventually prevailed. The final route across Mongolia was decided only two months ago. Construction should begin in 2024.
This is a massive geoeconomic game-changer, totally in line with the increasingly sophisticated Russia-China strategic partnership. But it’s also supremely important geopolitically (Remember Xi: China supports Russia’s “core interests”).
The gas for Power of Siberia 2 will come from the same fields currently supplying the EU market. Whatever demented concoctions the European Commission – and the new German government – may apply on stalling the operation of Nord Stream 2, Gazprom’s main focus will be China.
It doesn’t matter for Gazprom that China as a customer in the near future will not fully replace the whole EU market. What matters is the steady business flow and the absence of infantile politicking. For China what matters is an extra, guaranteed overland supply rote boosting its strategy of “escaping from Malacca”: the possibility, in case Cold War 2.0 turns hot, that the U.S. Navy would eventually block maritime shipping of energy sources via Southeast Asia to China.
Beijing of course is all over the place when it comes to buying Russian natural gas. The Chinese have a 30% stake in Novatek’s $27 billion Yamal project and a 20% stake in the $21 billion Arctic project.
So welcome to 2022 and the new, high stakes realpolitik Great Game.
U.S. elites had been terrified of playing Russia against China because they fear this would lead Germany to ally with Russia and China – leaving the Empire of Chaos out in the cold.
And that leads to the “mystery” inside the enigma of the whole Ukrainian face: use it to force the EU away from Russian natural resources.
Russia is turning the whole show upside down. As an energy superpower, instead of an internally corroded EU dictated by NATO, Russia will be mostly focused on its Asian customers.
In parallel, military superpower Russia, having had enough of U.S./NATO bullying, is now dictating the terms of a new arrangement. Lavrov confirmed the first round of Russia-U.S. talks on security guarantees will be held in early 2022.
Are these ultimatums? Not really. Seems like Ryabkov, with notable didacticism, will have to keep explaining it over and over again: “We do not speak in the language of ultimatums with anyone. We have a responsible attitude towards our own security and the security of others. The point is not that we have issued an ultimatum, not at all, but that the seriousness of our warning must not be underestimated.”
Putin sad……We need long-term legally binding guarantees even if we know they cannot be trusted, as the U.S. frequently withdraws from treaties that become uninteresting to them. But it’s something, not just verbal assurances.”
now take a look at what one American says P.C.Roberts for Global Research. What he doesn’t know and Putin knows? Maybe someone needs to whisper to him. Why Gazprom, Rosneft or the export of raw materials for the American MIC aren’t under sanctions? Does the Russian banknote have the legitimacy and seal of the sovereign Russian National Bank?
……the Russian media keep whining about unfair treatment of Russia, now denounced for allegedly not meeting its WTO commitments and threatened with being kicked out of the international monetary and payments system. A great power doesn’t whine. It presents as a danger that other countries avoid antagonizing
or
…as Lavrov always says, “we are willing to negotiate with our partners.” In Washington good will is regarded as a weakness. It encourages provocations that eventually go too far and result in war.
https://www.globalresearch.ca/will-russia-learn-in-time-before-war-is-upon-us/5765349
What NATO needs is a Yugoslavia type scenario to play out in their front yard. That will quickly dash all their designs on Russia. Yes, I’m talking about Ukraine. Perhaps removing Russia from SWIFT is what is actually needed to hasten the establishment of an alternative system that is truly global.
I think one Yugoslavia was enough. The Russian leadership and services are not stupid. Those who think they have ever ceased to be what they are, are naive. Whether it suits smaller players, allies, it doesn’t matter. It didn’t matter before, They will adapt to the new reality :)).
Rather I am trying to figure out why :))…..Gazprom wanted Western Siberia to Xinjiang across the Altai mountains. The Chinese wanted transit via Mongolia straight into central China…….
Xinjiang is a pressure point the US is trying to use, somewhat unsuccessfully, against China. Imagine a pipeline through the region where US proxy groups are attacking on a daily basis. China of course can imagine this with all the terrorism they’ve had in the past, so Mongolia it is. China also wants to keep Mongolia in the fold and having a pipeline with income from transit fees will keep them there.
…..Gazprom wanted Western Siberia to Xinjiang across the Altai mountains.
Is it so the pipeline would have been central and be used potentially for other customers as well? It seems to be going the other way anyway.
Its better for nature and Altai region to stay out of this corridor. I hope they build those pipes far as possible from Baikal lake too…those regions could be the land of last civilization on this planet.
It was writen…
Hi Djole, thanks for your comment. I wonder also about « Does the Russian banknote have the legitimacy and seal of the sovereign Russian National Bank? » Maybe it is a question that Tarek could answer to some extent.
As far as sanctions, it seems so blunt that US keeps its imports of oil and gas from Russia but punishes a bit Russia by punishing EU greatly…What the heck. Wake up call countries of EU! I guess the western plan is as Tarek portrayed it in his article: instead of playing with the whole world and have its flaky currency confronted with more solid ones, the West is attempting its own global bubble where we can still play with our pretend money, make our own rules as we please, implement whatever level of control and turn into a miniature global new order in denial of the new multipolar one. Being closed that system is finished, not unlike a cyst is formed in a body. The sad angering part is that it is the people who will suffer greatly whereas the wealthy invisible ones will just be hopping to the next opportunity. Nothing new under the sun. I guess, in the West we will have our new opportunity for a back to the land movement … unless all land gets ceased somewhat progressively. Who knows? No point to try to foresee. Better focus my attention on those little things I can improve on myself, on a daily basis. Keep in my awareness the first 3 steps of A.A: 1) acknowledging personal powerlessness in front of the disease.
2) realizing that there is a « higher power ». 3) inviting that HigherPower to work its ways in my life.
I would like to share a paragraph from the Chinese I Ching, hexagram 15 « within the earth the mountain, the image of modesty »: « The wealth of the earth in which a mountain is hidden is not visible to the eye, because the depths are offset by the height of the mountain. Thus high and low complement each other, and the result is the plain. Here is an effect that it took a long time to achieve, but that in the end seems easy of accomplishment and self-evident, is used as the image of modesty. The superior man does the same thing when he establishes order in the world; he equalizes the extremes that are the source of discontent and thereby creates just and equable conditions”.
Have a great and humble time! Standing still, in devotion. Provided by, and providing as, the Mother, we all are.
1. ……unless all land gets ceased somewhat progressively. Who knows? No point to try to foresee.
May I suggest you read what Jesus Christ says about passive pacifists. And why the same things happen to humanity all the time. Why he was an activist and changed things. His students. Then to connect that with the way of thinking of a serf, then a proletarian and finally a citizen. Is it the fault of the kings, other dignitaries who are dragging the people by the nose or the people who accept that game? Why would God help such people?
2. …..I would like to share a paragraph from the Chinese I Ching, hexagram 15
Speaking of Confucianism. What are the pillars on which he lies? Family, patriarchy, state, people, empire and above all God. Does the people adhere to this or look conformistly only at their own interest while adapting to the life portrayed for them by others? On the false fraternity, liberty, egality system. He talks how everyone should teach children so that this society of hedonism in which we live today would not happen to us. Are we doing that? Did the emperors stick to what he taught or take advantage of the people? Why did the Maoists burn his books? Egoism vs self-reflection?
You see, precisely because those who rule the world know what halfprim….ates are, what they need to be given to be satisfied … that’s why they rule.
What a great Christmas present from Pepe! I’ve been waiting for you to provide an analysis of what’s going on. It will be interesting few weeks ahead.
“And that leads to the “mystery” inside the enigma of the whole Ukrainian face: use it to force the EU away from Russian natural resources.”
I have perhaps not accorded this point as much weight as it deserves in my analyses. However, if in fact that is a major motivation of the US – and when is money ever not a major motivation for the US – it just makes it even more likely that another Ukraine assault on the Donbass and thus a war with Russia is inevitable.
In other news, apparently Russia just concluded a set of drills near the Ukraine border, which indicates that Putin still believes that Ukraine is dead-set on another attack in the near future, either January/February or next summer – most likely the former, as next summer will be too late for Zelensky as the transit fees will be cut off or reduced as soon as NordStream 2 is certified (if it is.) There is still a contract between Gazprom and Ukraine between 2020 and 2024, but once NS2 is in operation, Gazprom will probably cut actual transit through Ukraine to the tune of 1-2 billion dollars – something Zelensky can’t afford.
The fundamental dishonesty of the Western power structure – governments and corporations alike – make it essential for Russia to attend only to deeds, not words.
In a recent article Boyd Cathey emphasises the high principles to which the US elite gives lip service.
‘It was 1962, and one month before “Ride the High Country’s” release in theaters General Douglas McArthur had delivered his famous “Duty, Honor, Country” speech to the cadets at West Point: “…those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn….”’
– Boyd C. Cathey, https://www.unz.com/article/when-hollywood-rode-right/
More recently, there was this:
‘“When I was a cadet, what’s the cadet motto at West Point? You will not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do. I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. We had entire training courses. It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment,” Pompeo boasted as the audience laughed and celebrated the statement’.
https://www.telesurenglish.net/news/We-Lied-Cheated-and-Stole-Pompeo-Comes-Clean-About-CIA-20190424-0033.html
Compare the last two quotations! West Point’s code of honour forbids cadets to lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do. Mike Pompeo, a graduate of West Point, ex-CIA director and at the time Secretary of Defense, boasted publicly at West Point that he and his subordinates lied, cheated and stole – and the cadets laughed and applauded. We need hardly wonder how Pompeo and the cadets would feel about “Duty, Honor, Country”. So much for the USA.
Drawing from the Russian intervention in Syria. A possible Russian kinetic response could take some time to unfold in the Ukrainian theater. I clearly remember back in 2011 when the Syrian civil war started. It took Russia four years to join in directly on September 2015 (one full year after US intervention). But before they intervened, my family had given up all hopes on Russia’s credibility and thought this would be another Libya when the US Coalition intervened in September 2014. For a whole year, it was Syria was going to collapse. And then it happened.
And then on September 28, Putin and Obama shook hands in front of the Press. Putin told Obama that Russia would not intervene, despite Obama asking him why there were jets and choppers landing in Syria. 48 hours later, Russia officially entered the foray on Syria’s side. The World cheered.
In my opinion, Russia will do something, but us plebs won’t know until it happens.
By routing the pipeline through Mongolia to central China – we’ll no doubt soon see a colour revolution in Mongolia… and then Nord Stream 2 redux.
Mongolia is a “global partner” of NATO. They are becoming so economically intertwined with China though it would be hard, though not impossible, to separate them.
A glance at the map tells you that Mongolia is not in any position to mess with Russia or China too much… and why would they?
I would guess that Xi reassured Putin that Mongolia will behave. These people have the answers to questions before we raise the questions after the fact.
It’s quite troubling how all the usual-suspect rags one can read online by a query on the subject ‘can the US defend against China and Russia?’ – yields the same story. Apparently the US will get beaten to shit. Of course the American population will pay with a huge number of deaths. So this puzzlement – disgust really – is how the f have we gotten taxed to oblivion for decades with a major percentage of that bankrolling military research and development, only to be left in the dust by Russia and China? I know China has stolen much of the technology they have from the US / Europe,(Please don’t make these MSM accusations without proof or back up. Mod.) but how can we be so far behind with a budget far greater than any other country on the planet? Can someone explain this to me?
The Iraq and Afghanistan (debacle) wars wasted lives, treasure, time, and reputation (internal and external)
When the Americans invaded Iraq, the Chinese opened rice wine, as they knew this would give them 20+ years of time to build relatively unhindered. And that they did, they studied every move the Americans made in Iraq I and II and modeled their development to match, counter, supersede – deny the Americans the use of their air power and naval assets is a pillar of modern Chinese military development. Missiles designed to take out airfields, and aircraft carriers were to developed, they called it Anti-Area-Access-Denial (A2/AD). The Chinese built-up their military quietly for two decades, same with the Russians.
Imperial overstretch, you often hear Americans boast about their military budget. It’s like walking with an albatross over their necks. They have to spend money bribing allies, paying for basing rights, pay for endless wars in the Middle East. Printing money worked for a while, but I’m afraid that era is ending very quickly.
Distance from Eurasia. The two oceans Atlantic and Pacific aren’t friends of the Americans in the 21st century. These are obstacles. Who controls Eurasia, controls the World. Resupplying the European and East Asian theaters of war will be a nightmare fraught with dangers for ships (supply ships, merchant ships, carriers, etc). It’s much easier for Russia to resupply their fronts by land, sea, and air.
China, for most of the past 23 centuries, the Chinese held the top spot of World’s largest economy for 17 centuries. Losing that spot maybe the past 5. That’s about to change, they are well on their way to take that spot back. With mega industrial output, massive military, huge population, strategic landmass, energy from Russia, and Iran….no beef with Africa, they will be a power like no other.
September 30 2015, was a historical moment in geopolitics. This was the first time the US empire was not able to overthrow a country by military means. The Russians stepped up to plate with weapons that shocked the Western world. Looking back at how the Chinese handled the 2008 Summer games opening ceremony, I believe when it’s China’s turn to act, they will not disappoint.
Don’t make these non-msm statements without any proof, spun out of gossamer: China top economy of most of the past 2300 years, China like an all-wise king fu fighter. Russia I trust . Who trusts China under present leadership?
The answer lies within your own question. Take one example:
When the privately owned US military-industrial-complex produces a cruise missile, it charges $1 million to the US taxpayer for each unit.
When the state-owned Russian Military-Industrial-Complex is asked to produce a cruise missile, it charges $100,000 to the State for each unit.
So the US taxpayer is being overcharged because there is a layer of investors to pay off, plus a predatory industrial enterprise that seeks only profit,
The Russian taxpayer receives value-for-money as there are no vulture capitalists in their procurement system…
I would add to this that the fact that the US system works for profit, does not guarantee quality or fit-for-purpose or value for money
However, the fact that Russians build their weapons systems knowing these will defend Mother Russia, is a guarantee for high performance, quality, fit-for-purpose and value-for-money.
i would go along with the fact that EVERY major power spies and tried to obtain state secrets from another power but i would not ever single out China as being particularly active in this regard…I would rather point to all the US-aligned NGOs that operated within China and Russia which were active behind the scenes but have now been neutralised.
Then too I can quote another good example: my recollection is that the Iranians were able to guide a US drone to land safely and the Iranians reverse-engineered it and IMPROVED on all the mistakes they found…so “theft” is one thing but to be able to identify mistakes in the complex electronics and improve on it, shows advanced innovative prowess…
Whilst in contrast, the US developed the F35 and the Littoral Coast Guard boats entirely on their own and made a right mess of them…so i doubt if anyone would want to copy these US designs? IMHO…
Same principles apply to the US Healthcare system compared to the Russian one…most of the funds you, as a US citizens pay towards your own healthcare, feeds a predatory investor class before you get to see any benefit for yourself…
But I am sure that if i were to state that a socialistic-collectivist system that operates with free-enterprise capitalism, is therefore better than a casino-capitalist type of system, you as an American, might disagree?
Yes. We here at the Saker’s blog, can explain very,very easily.
[Welcome to Saker’s blog. Strap in, you’re going to have your world view turned inside out and upside down. (That you think China stole US tech is a big “tell” that you are fully immersed in deluded US world view propaganda)]
Theres one quick, really simple but all encompassing explanation as to why US is so far behind = corruption. That’s it. That’s the answer.
All those *trillions*, yes trillions of US taxpayer money that have been allocated to [Eisenhower’s] “military industrial complex” have been stolen.
Stolen. Also Wasted. Appropriated.
Yes. It’s just that simple.
I think you would really benefit from a reading of Andrei Martyanov’s 2018 book: “Losing Military Supremacy”. His words were scoffed at [*not here*]. But of course he was prophetic and seminal.
$20 from Amazon and you will know more than 98% of US military| administration | think tank “experts” about the terrifying predicament that faces the US right now.
The Russia+China confrontation of the US and its vassals has been a long time coming. The corruption and deceit within the U$A have required the US public to be soothed by their media and celebrity “intelligence” talking heads into believing the U$A is dominant, and that China (with 4.7million STEM graduates each year; U$A,568k) cheats and steals US (nonexistent) tech.
The US media has been in overdrive to sing lullabies to the US public, and any “dissenter” voices, like that of Russia expert, the late Prof Stephen Cohen, were ruthless silenced.
Here’s a good review of Cohen’s fall from grace. He was once lauded as a US Russian expert who changed the course of the Cold War, but was brought down in the toxic Trump Orange Man Bad era, being derided as a “Putin Puppet”. Sentenced to academic gulag.
Of course, everything Cohen was stating and warning about, has now come to fruition.
https://newcoldwar.org/stephen-f-cohen-became-controversial-russia-expert-america/
I refer you to Julian Assange explaining how the Military Industrial Financial complex gets paid for involvement in USA wars as an example of wealth transfer from the public purse.
“Perhaps removing Russia from SWIFT is what is actually needed to hasten the establishment of an alternative system that is truly global.”
The alternative system already exists and has done so for thousands of years. It’s called the gold system.
While the Russians and Chinese are willing to play the 2nd & 3rd fiddle game (or is it 3rd & 4th after the EU?) the current economic charade of central bank printing will continue with all the froth and bubble of cauldren full of cooking toads.
Simply demand payment for Russian gas in gold (or 2nd best, Russian Rubles purchased in convertable non-$USD tender) and then see how long the hysterical screaming lasts from Madam Europa! But, I assume, their magical woke rainbow underwear will keep them warm until the Springtime thaw. Go gold & silver and buy popcorn — the whole BS paper gold-price racket would be the first to explode into carnival confetti.
Russia is dictating nothing: they are going to hold a talk with Nato in january, which they refused for the past 18 months.
The EU does not want hydrocarbons from Russia, they do not want any hydrocarbons, period, because of their green Net Neutral banking agenda.
Dave with utmost respect this world runs entirely on hydrocarbons. All the chatter about green energy are for the whole vegan generation, who has no clue what heats there home, powers their car, factories that make there clothes cell phones etc. Access to oil and gas means GDP. No access means riots.
Well maybe some USA LNG gas – which along with green will move EU away from Russian carbon. Don’t worry though – there will always be a market for Russian and Chinese mail order brides
…….Russia is dictating nothing: they are going to hold a talk with Nato in january, which they refused for the past 18 months……..
Don’t worry :)), this will be shown as a victory. Create a problem blaming partners, than offer solution not offending them. When it gets densely, use it to show a muscles, what calm down the Russian people and then hits the old way. I’m disappointed that this time Putin didn’t decide to take a ride with the Night Wolves or go on a “uniform photo session” with Soygu for the holidays.
Sure. I can explain it.
Graft, corruption and kickbacks.
“A signed agreement to a Yank is a license to negotiate further” — Proverb
The German army has it’s first trans commander, who said in an interview “I love being taken in dark rooms”.
US policy for the past 75 years has been to erase Germany as a power.
Wow! Do you have a source for that quote ? No source, and you comment can’t go anywhere. Good source, and it would go viral.
The officer’s name is “Anastasia Biefang” The quote in original German is “Ich lasse mich gern vögeln in Darkrooms.”
the simple fact is there’s too much gas waiting a buyer. NS2 was put in as a safety backup for Russia, and they know well there’s gas in Iran, UAE, Israel, Egypt, Cyprus littorals and who knows may be in N Africa too.
EU will be abound with gas soon
China, India need more and more of it, so they are focussing on that. IPI, TAPI may all be woken up if US wants some of it’s own action, but no one will trust the A & P in the middle
Hi Djole, I would like to clarify my position in regard of “ passive pacifism”, Christianism and Confucianism. First, I tend to stay away and question any “ism”. Is it the real thing? I am not opting for being a passive pacifist. I am for a radical acceptance which allows real change to occur. In revolutions, or in regular times, it tends to be “the more it changes, the more it is the same”. If we don’t deal with the root (“radically”), we will end up with similar dynamics and structures sprouting back.
I realize that my words are provocative and offering the stick to be beaten with. If I said “ no point to try to foresee”, it is with the acceptance that it is a compulsion of the human mind to do look ahead. We are wired to anticipate. Forecasting is part of our survival kit. So, yes there is an obvious point to try to foresee. It is useful. And yet, I believe it is a bit of a vain thing if we don’t focus on “ the inside”. The peaceful warrior stand, not the passive pacifist. What is at war in me? What is my hidden or not-so hidden compliance and participation to “the system”? What is the hidden script being played out? It is about taking responsibility for the reality one creates.
I mean that everything is grist for the mill in the process of uncovering the “unconscious buried stuff” projecting/attracting reality. I had some exposure to writings about what Jesus might have said. I sense that my psyche got a stronger “impression“ through peaceful pictures of Jesus life. Ultimately, Jesus is a presence that can be experienced as our personalities “get out of the way”, and in the process, our personalities get shaped by that presence. It is for me that “Christ en masse” experience that is radically revolutionary. Of course, it takes to “in-vite” individually that presence in all our relations. It is very pragmatic. Very humbling. Very easy to fall back into the old groove of our ego construct. We all have “that seed that Jesus left us”. Jesus didn’t leave us the Bible. Jesus is for me the heart and it’s ego-free virtues: sincerity, humility, courage and generosity.
More convolutely said, Jesus is for me a paradoxical door archetype that grounds us in our earth home and transcends the experiences with cosmic consciousness. Jesus is Lucifer redeeming himself. It is the heart leading rather than the mental Pride.
As far as Chinese “wisdom”, I am not a fan of Confucius, although he had probably a good integrity about his values and code of conduct, his morality. Actually, US society would benefit from applying his concepts. I am more in line with the “Wu Wei” state of consciousness, “Non Action”. It has more to do with the non resistance of a supra conductor, allowing Light/info to flow. That reminds me of a Mexican yogi friend, RIP, that , because of some sexual misbehavior, was treated with électrochocs… and he said that the key was to not resist.
Again, I am not discarding resistance. In a way, I am promoting disobedience, especially to our owned conditioning. It is work and it takes others to help with our blind spots. I am fairly well aware of the complacency of our civilization and the well oiled mechanisms and dynamics. Can we “actively” make a new system where there is sovereign people governance? where/ when power, money and laws are monitored by the people, rather than created/owned/hoarded by private entities? I feel your frustration Djole, it is mine too… I still resist and react. “Power to the People” sounds great. Tribes usually managed to achieve that. Chinese communism? Better than western civilization anyway.
So, I find it more “ pragmatic” to focus on the first 3 steps of A.A mentioned in the earlier comment.
“ let go and let God”. Invite the Power to flow through my life, through my actions. I think it is “non- action”.
Be well, brothers and sisters.
Hello,
Could anybody explain this sentence to me:
U.S. elites had been terrified of playing Russia against China because they fear this would lead Germany to ally with Russia and China – leaving the Empire of Chaos out in the cold.
Thanks.
There’s a geopolitical theory, Mackinder’s World Island or Heartland theory, that to “control” the world, the pivot point is Eurasia.
(Which is why the UK in the 1800s and the US in the late 1900s attempted to control Afghanistan)
From end WW1 to present the U$A has dominated the world because it has two massive oceans and two vassals as borders.
Being free from the risk of invasion or assault, it has (had) a massive unassailable offensive navy (plus air power) (and 800military bases) which it used to rule the world.
Because of the Heartland theory, Kissinger, and then Brzezinski, saw it was necessary for the U$A to keep Russia and China apart.
Part of Nixon’s rapprochement with China was to thwart exactly what is happening now – Russia (with its massive wealth of natural resources) aligning and cooperating with China…..
Back in the 1800s the British feared the same mutually advantageous alliance would form between Russia and Germany.
Very simply stated… 2 world wars and a Cold War were fought to keep Russia and Germany apart.
In the past 20 years (mostly in the Obama admin) woefully inept US foreign policy has undone a century of geopolitical manoeuvring.
The US has antagonised both Russia and China, who together, this week announced they have “more than an alliance”.
Some in the US “think tank” industry hold fast to the delusion they can still “drive a wedge” between China and Russia.
Part of making sure the North Stream2 gas pipeline is disrupted, is to ensure cheap Russian energy resources are not used by German industry, making it too competitive with the US.
There’s a old “explanation” of the EU/NATO ~ it was a move to “get the US in, keep the Germans down, and the Russians out”.
Thank you, White Whale.
I do understand your explanation, but still have trouble with mr Escobar’s formulation.
I recently heard that in a way the Neocons did win this fight: it loks like Russia itself says ‘goodbye’ to Germany (and Europe), which leaves a weakened Europe for America as an ally but no longer a competitor.
That the US and Britain have tried to sabotage comity between Russia and Germany, esp. the disruption of NS2, is one reason I am of the opinion, naive as it may be, that the show must go on.
At least a year ago I had a nightmare that Russia and China announced that they had given up on rapprochement with Europe and Japan and have cut off any and all activity between each side.
Now, with regards to Europe, I remember last October (2020) when there was some scuffle in relations between the EU and Russia. I was actually afraid that this nightmare situation would come true, and what didn’t help was how Ken Leslie bluffed that the thesis of Britain starting both World Wars to pit Germany and Russia against one another would soon loose its footing. And yet, a year later, here readers like you and me are still aware, and (probably unironically) Mr. Leslie hasn’t appeared here for some time.
It occurred to me reading this that from the point of view of someone living in the west who hasn’t travelled to Russia or China and been able to speak to locals in their own language it is difficult to know what is true and what is not. For all I know China is wide open and the west makes its “citizens” believe that it’s China that’s closed but in fact it’s the west which may fear permitting its own subjects from being able to make comparisons. Ditto for Russia. Putin sure seems more intelligent than anybody I see in power here. I don’t know who’s running China, I’ve been led to believe that it’s the central bankers. I do see evidence that the central bankers are running everything. They’ve controlled the patent offices everywhere for a long time. We’re here talking about gas pipe lines when anybody watching 911 videos can see that the powers that be have powerful free energy devices. Well, I read the moderation policy. I can only guess as to whether I’ll be censored or banned. The Saker is interesting.