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US Is "Wrong, Plain And Simple" On German-Russia Relations, Warns Schaeuble
Speaking like a jilted girlfriend, German finance minister Wolfgang Schaeuble exclaimed that "Russia needs Europe more than China to develop economy," following the signing of the 'holy grail' gas deal this week. But the German saved his sternest comments for his US "allies" as he explained discussions over sanctions and negotiations with Russia over Ukrains would "be even more successful if the United States understands that it is also part of the West."
Reflecting on the waning US influence and slamming US Congress delays over IMF reform, Schaeuble unleashed the following: "Perhaps now more of those in power in the United States will ask themselves: Why is America's soft power, even though it is the indispensable nation, not so great as to be understood by the dumb Germans?"
As the WSJ reports, Schaeuble reiterated "we won't seek military escalation, but we will of course use our political and diplomatic abilities to increase the pressure on Russia to abide by the rules."
As WSJ reports, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble said his country is prepared to raise pressure on Russia to help stabilize Ukraine, sending a signal on the eve of Ukraine's presidential election that Europe's leading economic power isn't shy of confronting Moscow.
"We want good, partner-like relations," Mr. Schäuble said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. But he warned: "If Russia does not follow the rules, then we won't seek military escalation, but we will of course use our political and diplomatic abilities to increase the pressure on it to abide by the rules."
The veteran conservative minister, seen as Germany's second most powerful politician after Chancellor Angela Merkel, dismissed criticisms in the U.S. that Berlin's response to the Ukraine conflict is hostage to German business interests as "wrong, plain and simple."
...
The Ukraine crisis is highlighting Germany's growing pains as it becomes a leader in geopolitics, Mr. Schäuble admitted. He called on the U.S. to work harder to win public trust in Europe.
"We, of course, need to make clear that we are part of the West," Mr. Schäuble said, in response to signs that many Germans don't fully support their country's Western alliance. "But we'll be even more successful if the United States understands that it is also part of the West."
...
But he said it also reflected waning U.S. influence here, something that had to do with Washington's reluctance to ratify and uphold international agreements in areas including finance. He blamed the U.S. Congress for frustrating reform of the International Monetary Fund, for example.
"Perhaps now more of those in power in the United States will ask themselves: Why is America's soft power, even though it is the indispensable nation, not so great as to be understood by the dumb Germans?" Mr. Schäuble said.
He said Moscow's short-term tactical victories in Ukraine would backfire in the medium term, because it needs "partnership with Europe" to develop its economy, which he said is overly dependent on oil and gas exports and "much less diversified than it was in Soviet times."
But reflecting on Germany's lackluster popularity in Europe, he could not resist one more jab at Obama...
Popular dismay with the political establishment isn't unique to the EU, Mr. Schäuble said: "Are the approval ratings in the U.S. triumphal?"
With friends like that... who needs Russia
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And Europe needs Russia more than they need America.
here we fucking go again... smoke 'em if you got 'em, boys
Bum 'em if you don't...
As the worm continues to turn, eh knucks?
DaddyO
Jilted GF?
Sounds more like a freind about to take keys from a drunk.
But he warned: "If Russia does not follow the rules, then we won't seek military escalation, but we will of course use our political and diplomatic abilities to increase the pressure on it to abide by the rules."
What a schmuck, so a sovereign nation like Russia should play by some playground bully made up rules. LOL. These guys in Euroland are really living in a magical made up world. What the heck. Rules, like their rules of violating the sovereignty of a nation and overthrowing a democratically elected govt, ah those rules Russia did not play by, is that why they are upset, they want Russia to waltz in and overthrow govts left and right like the EU and USA and Nato have been doing for a loooong time. Tell you what you POS, the rules you better follow are when you have to ration gas to stay warm this coming winter. But being a self entitled politcian prick I am sure your house will stay nice and warm all winter long while everyone else freezes.
MY interpretation was - this is a message for Washington consumption "not" Russia - this is a throw in line to keep the speech safe for US State Department - probably more than him sending message
"we will of course use our political and diplomatic abilities to increase the pressure on it to abide by the rules."
key line is : ".......as to be understood by the "dumb" Germans?"
this means overwhelmingly Germans from unions to industrialists are not on board with Merkel and US position they dont buy the propaganda - he is being cute - they are not dumb but smart especially compared to average american
No one believes anything worldwide US puts out - US is a pariah and a scumbag nation
"No one believes anything worldwide US government puts out - US government is a pariah and a scumbag government."
Here fixed for ya. Otherwise I agree.
Edit: Some formating elements doesn't work.
and, cosmos, the rule about getting to bomb other countries at will. well, at least the will of the u.s.
no one else though. that's terrorism. oh, except israel.
Jim Willie says Ukraine has cost Merkel her job as the German business community are unhappy about her position on Ukraine and so she is on the way out. The recent trip to the US and the subsequent UN role announcement for Merkel are consistent with this. German business wants to be closer to neonazi opposing Russia rather than Neonazi supporting America and the German public are overwhelmingly on board with this.
When I read that, my first thought was, What rules is he referring to? Those laid down by bitch Nuland? Biden? McCain?
<--ovarb,
Russia will be brought in line !
The ECB recycles oxygen to CO so the plants in their office don't die and cleverly developed a scheme to allow for the carbon tax swap of their own hot air...
Am I missing something here?
Yeah... everything is coming in backwards.
The West becomes more authoritarian with diminishing freedoms while the East and Asia display expansion (To wit, dress, language, debate amongst folks in Russia or China vs 30 years ago).
The East becomes more Capitalistic/free market (albeit oligarchy) whilst the opposite rings true in the West.
Most people have become more materialistic, self centered and egomaniacal at the expense of spiritual matters.
Rulers still rule poorly and in their own self interest, although it appears worse over the last several generations, the rise of the sociopaths and psychos.
That nobody cares anymore, as if they ever did, remains evident as exemplified by old men still bitching about the demise of civilizaiton. To which I believe them right, self included. Personal civility and honor have all but disappeared .
Long live the enablers of the Free Shit Societies! The upper and lower tiers benefiting from the disappearing common man.
Indeed ... how the worm turns, DaddyO
Well said Knuks!
Time for another Nobel Prize award , methinks
u b crazy
forther on some lovely Chinese ladies
Beauty is only a light switch away.
Was ist das? Er ist Mude.Ich gehe joggin M'Fers.
Russia, China and Germany.
Yeeeeehaaaaa.
We will come rejoicing bringing in the theives. FU Goldma Sachs.
"Russia needs Europe more than China to develop economy".....wait till they turn off your oil and gas
It's a no-brainer that Russia cannot afford to sever ties with Europe right now. All this Russian/China talk does not bode well for the future, but it will take time to lay the basic infrastructure for that deal to even come to fruition.
Right now Russia and the EU have a symbiotic relationship, or should if not for US meddling. Though Russia wants to fragment the EU to reduce their bargaining power in future energy deals.
In the long-term future things may change. The Russians obviously cannot be trusted and isolating the US entirely would certainly give them a great deal more power to act in a militaristic manner. Europe is balancing on a knife-edge right now, one wayward step could lead to World War 3.
I will believe the Russia China gas deal when I see pipe being laid.
I'll be laying some of that pipe a bit later....
This symbiotic relationship between the Russia and EU is what the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria are about. US doesn't want this relationship to go further and is forcing EU to choose side.
Pretty much that.
The older politicians cannot grasp what oil scarcity means. Or gas for that matter.
They didn't grow up in this world. So they pontificate about geopolitical this and that and economic this and that and they just cannot understand that it's all changed.
The oil can be cut off. The gas can be cut off. Russia doesn't need Europe. For what? Big screen TVs? Luxury cars? Russia needs food and water and warmth in the winter. The rest is wants, not needs. Europe doesn't provide any "needs".
When you are negotiating with someone about your life, and that someone can whimsically take or leave what you offer to them, you're in deep shit.
"America's soft power". Are you happy now, Demorats?
It seems like only yesterday they were promising "Smart Power"...so I guess this is it...lol.
With Obama in the White House it's now all about Queer Power.
They're definitely some odd ducks I'll grant you that, having some weird perceptions of right, wrong, restraint & force.
I mean, they were actively agitating to bring foreign national islamic nutcases to be tried under US law at basically the same time as their killing by drone an American national islamic nutcase living in a different country without benefit of a trial.
(Scratches head)
So I guess its time to jawbone somemore about illegals "living in the shadows" and make them legal (even though what they did was illegal) cuz there's an election coming up and they've got to get some corporate contributions flowing by execs who will profit immensely by having even moar cheap labor at the expense of the lower & middle class.
#SmartEverlastingPower ;-)
Ugh I can't wait until Barry and his tranny 'wife' leave. They are just so evil.
i am actually getting to like having him around. what with obamacare and the ukraine, he is helping to, if not drown the empire in the bathtub, at least waterboard it a bit.
Of course given the inertia of democracy and the decivilization of the general public, it's highly likely the next puppets will be even worse.
"We're here, we're queer and we'd like to say hello!".
John Lennon-Power To The People-Offical Video-HQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtvlBS4PMF0 (3:45)
Obama + Kerry = Leading from behind
http://www.jewishjournal.com/the_settler/item/jeffrey_goldberg_twerks_jo...
As the WSJ reports, Schaeuble reiterated "we won't seek military escalation, but we will of course use our political and diplomatic abilities to increase the pressure on Russia to abide by the rules."
He's the Finance Minister, right? How is it he lets it slip in plain view that he has power over military decisions? May be too subtle (and obscure) to be a "duh" moment for the sheep, but let's get the nooses ready anyhow.
Well of course they won't seek military escalation.
The EU have no fucking military except for barbers and parades.
The Euro's also have their bearded Tranny Eurovision Queen to keep their morale up during the long 2 week war with Russia.
Finance is war by other means.
I am surprised Russia has not said fine, if you dont want to do business with us that is fine, but if you ever sanction companies in other countries that do business with us that is a declaration of WAR.
Pure and simple let the Duma in Russia pass that resolution that is will be automatic war. Then when the Euros try that crap Russia should make them aware that they are now in a state of war as they close down the Straits of Hormuz with Iran's help. Lets see then what will the next step be of the USA or EU, are they going to take it nuclear or are they going to put their tails in their ass cracks and walk away.
Listen if Russians are going to feel pain then the Euros better get used to the same kind of pain. Russia can close the Straits of Hormuz and lock down the transit of most of the world's oil to Europe and there is nothing the EU or USA can do about it except go nuclear, and the Russians can be ready for that by mobilizing their missile forces and keeping their fingers on the button.
Well, a lightening stike by combined armor and motorized infantry to seize Moscow would be worth a shot.
It's worked before!
Schauble is the #2 person in power behind Merkel. If he says 'no military force' then that's pretty much the official government stance.
Besides they don't have a military that could challenge Russia. http://www.aei.org/outlook/foreign-and-defense-policy/defense/nato/germa...
Soft power. What an oxymoron. No power is soft except Microsoft.
Tsunami = soft power
Untontacted tribes need europe?? This a mono a mono!!!!
Fu king things up is Obama's plan. What part of that don't they understand?
As if Schaeuble speaks for all of Germany.....what an ego.
He speaks for the part that currently has the sway!
DaddyO
No..
He speaks for the ones in charge of Germany..
And everything was functioning relatively smoothly till somebody mistakenly decided to fuck with yet another broke ass county.
They went to far, now they got real problems..
Was there really any other option for Germany? now they must choose, their country or the American status woe... take a guess what side they will chose.
I will take ,who was von Ribbentrop for $100 Alex.
He does speak for all Germany... And don't forget who stole their gold !
Schauble, being a finance minister and speaking out this deep, should prove how bad things really are and how to the tipping point it is. Normally the political leadership take his advice and makes a speech, now it comes right from the horse's mouth.
The IMF reforms are never going to happen if the US can help it as it will lead to the death of the dollar hegemony even quicker.
Wow, he practically makes sense.
senile? old timers disease...he and mccain...and quite a few others.
This poisonous little man would do well to bring Germany's gold back to Germany.
Or perhaps he has forgotten that he has probably been spied upon by his American friends like his boss has been.
Or perhaps he might like to recall how the 'allies" (all lies) delt with the issue of Sarajevo.
And while they are at it they can pay compensation to Greece instead of blackmailing and bribing the current crop of Greek politicians not to push the matter to a conclusion.
Miserable little man.
follow the funny money
Flacid power would be more like it... Obomber having sex is like pushing on a string
Gott shutze uns
the usa should pull out of germany
But what he doesn't mention is the fact that if Germany wants its economy to continue leading in the EU then it must partner with Russia.That means goods from Germany to China by rail and the other way around as well.If you want business to become more competitive that's what it takes.Not cutting off natural gas and going along with further American sanctions.That is the wrong way for the economy in Germany but good for neocons in DC.Besides,who wants to be associated with right wing neo nazis running Kiev.Victoria Nuland sucks too.
"soft power" is what Viagra is made for....
The plebiscite are more interested in their peckers and pussies than reality.
What an asshole! Or: Du bist ein Arschloch!
Dear Mr. Schaeuble,
My advice to you is:
1) Get your gold back stat. Like yesterday.
2) Get the fuck out of the dollar. I hear Belgium is buying.
3) Remember, a cold people is a pissed people.
Sincerely,
The Dot Connector
With Germany relying on 40% of gas imports from Russia I would say he has a few things backward in his head. If Russia turned off the tap tomorrow, who is more dependant on who?
It's called Piggy in the middle; sitting on the fence!
Had he said wake the fuck up ussa, very few Europeans (whole world bar a few puppet lick ass states, france/uk elites } are happy with your constant intimidation and warmongering.
Who benefits from your terrorism other than the fiat men?
When Russia and China invite Germany to the party, they had better not be late.
germany throws parties, never late ....
The US government has shown itself to be a bunch of lying murderous thieves. You cannot change that without changing the actors. The toilet must be flushed and someone will do it one day.
we've paid for your an entire defense for sixty straight years asshole. what more "public trust" do you want?
without the USA there would be no Europe "whole and free."
How ironic the solution appears to be to get those borders up again.
I don't recall the USA truly having a beef with Russia EVER.
They sure don't like the USA right now though.
The irony is that we're being modest this time around. The whole thing feels like a Cheap Shot actually.
Phuck you Putin you worthless phuck.
We're more than happy to let you win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCNCOMgJATQ
You nailed it- Germany's future lies in the East with Russia, not with the bankrupt EU and the "Sick Man of the West" - the US.
Trust the Americans Herr Schäuble ?
Just see what they did with your Gold !
Don't Germans have any "Stolz" left? Are you slaves to America?
They allowed Germany to develop as their corporates made money and they could dangle you from their Puppet string. Germany doesnt owe them anything.
On your own together, with Russia & China you coul'd do wonders for Germany and the rest of Europe.
I dont' say ask the American's to F..k Off. Let them treat you as an equal and not as slaves to do their bidding.
"sending a signal on the eve of Ukraine's presidential election that Europe's leading economic power isn't shy of confronting Moscow."
Until of course when Russia closes the gas flow...
Revenge piece for Germany not keeping its fringe legitamate media from blowing the whistle on the 400 Acadamei and 300 Greystone mercs. Gemany, waiting for its gold and tired of onerous economic compromise, and arrogant demands, are being made, here, to look like snivelers.
Ah Schäuble, a shame for all Germans, but we like our shame much more than anything else....
Russia has a "special relationship" with Ukraine
.
we are slavs bitchez
Just recently on RT news, they were saying that Europe, particularly France and Italy have 1 year left domestically of energy before they rely on full exports. The UK has 5 years left (these are the official figures).
The options therefore seem to be either Africa(which is a real battle ground) or Norway for future energy, otherwise they have no choice but to start co-operating with Russia or wage a WW3 for the control of Syria to get a pipeline from Qatar to the europe (which Russia will never accept)
The bottom line is, the west is fucked, bankrupt, no sound money, and soon to be reliant on Energy from the east (which prices are on the rise).
Putin doest even have to a fire a shot to gently squeeze the necks of the west, which happens every time a barrel of energy is imported.
Germany says they have diversified themselves away from just energy and that Russia hasnt which means they are reliant on energy, well who the fuck isnt? whats the point in diversifying your economy if you have no energy to fuel it.
They call it Black Gold for a reason and the shift of power has now changed and is becoming more and more crucial every day that goes by.
My gut tells me, that something bad is in the making, and i suspect it will be a final push on controlling Syria to try and get Qatar back into the picture for Europe.
A little overview to show just how much Germany needs to stay on friendly terms with Russia and just how must they must be pissed at the Obama regime's foreign policy behind the scenes:
http://euanmearns.com/germany-energiewende-kaput/
Demographics are awful and 2/3rds of German energy consumption is imported, including 100% of its oil use and almost 100% of its gas use. That said, Germany can fund its energy deficit with a healthy trade surplus and does have a cushion of recently decommissioned nuclear that can be brought back online at some point (and will be, let's not kid ourselves), unlike the UK which is utterly fucked and hits another major crisis within 5 years, France and Italy within 2 years.
Europe is in no position to be playing hardball with Russia.
"Reflecting on the waning US influence and slamming US Congress delays over IMF reform..."
which go hand in hand. ALL member countries of the IMF want that reform. mostly it's junior partners wanting a bigger share and ALL are willing to increase the capital base
even in America, the Senate, the Prez, the Treasury... ALL are pushing for this IMF reform. ALL THE WORLD... except the US Congress
I'm not taking sides. I'm just trying to point out an interesting rift. and note: it's not about SDR, it's about control over the IMF
the US Congress could just cough up some more funds and match what the others are willing to put in
or it could just say: fine, we'll be ok with a smaller share
here, the US Treasury explains it this way (http://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/Myth-vs-Fact-IMF-Quota-Reform...):
"
Myth: The IMF reforms will benefit Russia in the IMF.
Fact: Under the quota reforms, Russia’s voting power in the IMF changes from 2.4 percent to 2.6 percent of the Fund’s total voting power. This is an immaterial change. In contrast, the United States’ voting power will be 16.5 percent, giving us veto power over key IMF decisions. Further, the G-7 quota shares will remain well over 40 percent. It is preposterous to think that the United States government would act to strengthen Russia’s influence, when Russian behavior is violating international laws and norms. Russia currently has an outsized role at the IMF because of its bilateral agreement to lend the IMF $10 billion and is exploring if the IMF can move forward without the United States. That is unacceptable. Approval of the IMF reforms will make the IMF less dependent on bilateral loan arrangements from countries like Russia and more dependent on the resources provided by the United States and our allies. "
You are missing the point. The IMF is a bank. It is not a democracy.
2 months ago, everyone was worried about WWIII. Now, things have been de-escalated to the point where we are talking about effects on the German-Russian trade relationships.
I fully suspect this message from Germany is intended to muddy the waters and take some wind from Putin's sails, vis-a-vis the results of the upcoming Ukrainian election. Putin is being marginalized further yet.
It would be pretty hard for Putin to do some sabre rattling when Russian business and German business have been working so hard in the background. It is fair to expect "understandings" have been made to the benefit of Ukraine. After all, Germany is the good cop.
If the Russian Ukrainians escalate matters after the election, the Russian Ukrainians will become pariah in the world view.
Are you sure you're Canadian ?
Your world view is one of a inhabitant, born and raised, in Foggy Bottom.
Your reply and namesake makes me reply to you Sir.....We are no longer Colonials and your Elite will no longer lead out youth to death for British profits. We now need our Prime Minister to do what the People request and tell Harper to stand staight up and pull up his pants. Stop the Trans Pacific Pact from giving the American Corporations more rights that the peoples Wants and requests. Stop selling out our Country.
never forget the "eastern front" and why there is still a germany.