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Europe Goes "All In": Will Sanction Rosneft, Gazprom Neft And Transneft

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Until this moment, the main reason why everyone mostly dismissed Europe's sanctions against Russia is that despite all its pompous rhetoric, Europe consistently refused to hit Russia where it would hurt: its energy titans Gazprom, Rosneft And Transfneft. The reason is simple: by imposing sanctions on these core energy exporters, Europe would directly threaten the stability of its own energy imports (Russia accounts for up to 30% of German gas imports), and as winter approaches with every passing day, playing with the energy status quo would seem like economic suicide. This all appears to have changed last Friday, when as the FT reports from a leaked copy, Europe's latest sanctions round will boldly go where Europe has never dared to go before, and impose sanctions on the big three: Rosneft, Gazprom Neft and Transneft.

 

This is what is known in game theory terms as a major defection round.

It also means that suddenly the stakes for Russia, and thus Europe, just got all too real, as Putin will now have no choice but to really ramp up the retaliatory escalation, which following the food ban can only mean one thing: a staggered reduction in gas flow to Europe.

 

It also means something else: recall that it was just ten days ago when we reported that Gazprom would begins accepting payment for oil in Ruble and Yuan.

If today's news is confirmed, Europe's dramatic shift in sanctions strategy means that Europe's embargo of both the US Dollar and the Euro will accelerate as Russia further intensifies its shift away from both the west and the petrodollar. The only and clear winner here: China, which will almost certainly step in to provide the funding Russia needs however on Beijing's terms in effect making the symbiotic link between Russia and China even stronger, forcing Moscow to rely almost exclusively on China for trade and funding relations, and suddenly give Xi Jinping all the trump cards.

What China's president will do, now that he has all the leverage in the world to call shots both to the West, the East, and of course, Africa, remains unknown, although those thousands of tons of gold imports that mysteriously enter the country and are never heard from again, may provide a hint.

 

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Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:17 | 5190472 ArkansasAngie
ArkansasAngie's picture

Fighting over resources. We know who the losers are. Just who are the winners?

What do the obamicans get out of this?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:21 | 5190478 Arius
Arius's picture

Russia's move next ....

Nato chief rasmussen seems to be very weak though beyond his tough words and appearances. europeans are old continent, old blood, families ... no survivors ... no tough people any longer

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:22 | 5190484 Publicus
Publicus's picture

As usual, the European elites makes the decisions, and the people suffers.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:26 | 5190499 DeadFred
DeadFred's picture

The Germans bet once before that the 'Fire and Ice' of their nation would save them from the effects of winter when they were in conflict with Moscow. Resulted in a lot of cases of frostbite if I recall

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:26 | 5190508 CH1
CH1's picture

NATO has gone insane.

I can only guess that they are that desperate for a war.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:35 | 5190543 globozart
globozart's picture

Makes no sense. Last time I checked the Russians had nukes. It's not fighting a few dessert tribes without risk.

 

The truth must be burried deeper.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:43 | 5190584 Terminus C
Terminus C's picture

Energy vs food.

Russia produces energy, Europe produces food...

Going to be an interesting winter.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:46 | 5190604 Keyser
Keyser's picture

This will be the end of the Brussels ruled EU... Once energy constraints kick in, the people will demand that their leaders to do what's right for the people and not what's good for US hegemony... 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:59 | 5190645 strannick
strannick's picture

As long as there is an alternative to the Petrodollar, it risks collapse from its absurd debt levels. If vassal nations can go elsewhere, American financial collapse is inevitable, along with its military power. If alternatives are eliminated, the system survives.

Russia/Putin is enemy #1 to the most important pillar of American hegemony, the PetroDollar. America has to squash Putin at all costs, here and now, or America collapses.

One cold winter in Europe, massacres in Ukraine, Syria and Iraq to stop Russian gas from going to Europe; so what. 

These are the people that collapsed the World Trade Center. Power is their prime driver, and they will do whatever is necessary to maintain it.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:04 | 5190669 Pinto Currency
Pinto Currency's picture

 

 

Get ready for Europe-wide uprising this winter.

The pols have completely lost it.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:08 | 5190688 GetZeeGold
GetZeeGold's picture

 

 

Quick note.....winter.....is coming.

 

I assume there is a backup plan....

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:10 | 5190700 Pinto Currency
Pinto Currency's picture

 

 

There certainly is.

The backup plan runs by the code name "Let Them Eat Cake".

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:14 | 5190720 Slave
Slave's picture

After the inbred chosen ones force Russia into China's open arms, they will begin stoking a war between those two.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:37 | 5190803 Pinto Currency
Pinto Currency's picture

 

 

China realizes that if it gives up Russia, it is next in line.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:01 | 5190878 Oracle 911
Oracle 911's picture

Well the winter in Europe will be long and cold. I think we don't have other choice then get out from the EU.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:07 | 5190894 Manthong
Manthong's picture

It’s supposed to be a pretty nippy this winter.

So what will a third of Europe look like with no trees in a year of two?

I suppose they could always burn Euros and FRNs, too.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:50 | 5190951 The Big Ching-aso
The Big Ching-aso's picture

The real dilemma: What freezes faster, German beer or German asses?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:15 | 5191584 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

Finland at 100% reliance on Russia and far to the north will freeze before Germany.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 18:45 | 5191838 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Yeah, Finland is not a Nato member, more of a vassal really, WWII notwithstanding..

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:11 | 5192096 Enslavethechild...
EnslavethechildrenforBen's picture

Germany is fucked if they side with the Jews again...

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:18 | 5192306 kaiserhoff
kaiserhoff's picture

Yes, this is the way wars are fought, by  sanctioning each other's corporations.  Or maybe it's Susie won't invite Jamie to her post prom party.  Oh, the humanity!

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 22:05 | 5192391 DanDaley
DanDaley's picture

They say that adult life is just like high school, but with money.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 23:28 | 5192547 old naughty
old naughty's picture

so not just the sheeples suffer...the oligarchs are "helped" too?

They eat their children (eh, lieutenants), no? Must be near the End.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 03:39 | 5192793 Elvis the Pelvis
Elvis the Pelvis's picture

War over the Ukraine?  I'm just not feeling it.  Maybe I'm crazy.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 08:36 | 5193038 Huckleberry
Huckleberry's picture

Your blog is lame so I downvoted you.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 07:35 | 5192970 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

All this doom and gloom, and nobody is pointing out the obvious?

The EU and NATO are little more than oligarch support groups. It's one thing for Ukraine to unsaddle themselves from oligarch clan A and immediately be saddled with oligarch clan B. When the Ukrainian army revolts, it will only change the oligarch clan to C. Ukraine is doomed - it has been permanently destabilized adn will be disassembled, just like the U.S. wanted from the start. It doesn't need all Ukraine - it only needs some of the leftover parts for ABM sites and enough oligarchs left to bleed Russia with left-over terrorists and mercs for an eternity. Remember: the U.S. had it's 'littel green men' (Xe or Academi or whatever the fuck they call themselves today) in Georgia and Ukraine way before Putin did.

Now the EU is an entirely different matter. The EU states' people cannot be ordered about like cattle to slaughter in such a ham-handed fashion. Let me take that back: they're getting fat and lazy just like Americans and demand the comforts of modern civilization. This isn't WWII anymore. They're damn well not willing to 'sacrifice' anything for any politicians. There will be no pesonal sacrifice by the Europeans this time around. They will feed their politicians to the dogs, first.

If you want to make European countries rise up against their governments, turn off their gas (or quadruple the price) and hyperinflate the Euro (=take away pensions). They will go fucking nuts - that will be the end of the EU and several current governments there. 

I only draw that conclusion based on what's clearly happening in the U.S.: .gov are going full-retard trying to keep gasoline prices down, inflation and real unemployment 'hidden' and baby-boomer 401K's intact (= banks buying every loose share in the S&P and Dow). Everyone here knows exactly how that's going to end, we just don't know when.

Losing control of fuel prices will usher in the terminal phase in the U.S., just like it will in the EU. Either the EU leaders know something else nobody else does, or they just infected themselves with financial ebola and are hoping the citizens don't notice. 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 08:34 | 5193033 MarkAntony
MarkAntony's picture

Excellent conclusion. up 1.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 09:29 | 5193184 Savvy
Savvy's picture

And when the economy implodes they'll blame Russia.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:39 | 5191317 Herodotus
Herodotus's picture

Don't fight the Fed.  They not only have the power to manipulate markets, but the weather as well.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 00:53 | 5192659 LostandFound
LostandFound's picture

I would give you more than one upvote if i could.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:16 | 5190733 strannick
strannick's picture

Merkel is the most exposed Pol in the world at the moment. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:54 | 5190861 buyingsterling
buyingsterling's picture

What does Obama get out of this? In his mind, America is the racist, enslaving monster, so anything that threatens it or makes things harder for its mostly white inhabitants is a win for him. Yes, he's a tool of other powers, but hatred is what gets him out of bed each day.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:03 | 5191303 Lore
Lore's picture

This is Black Nobility business, well outside President Obama's jurisdiction. He takes his script from a teleprompter. Scapegoating Russia is for public consumption, to rally patriotic sheeple and keep their thinking constrained along narrow national lines. The greatest threat by far is internal: those whose welfare depends most on preservation of the outgoing model of fractional-reserve trickery have most to lose, hence are most likely to grasp at any solution, no matter how desperate and destructive, even self-destructive, to preserve the status quo.  Fostering war serves the Military-Industrial Complex, the protectionist arm of oligarchy.  The last backing of the USD is the utterance of threats and ultimate follow-through (assuming power is not taken away in pre-emption and there are no major tactical or technological surprises).  Today's announcement of more sanctions is a poor substitute for real economic growth as a backing for national and international currency.  The powers continue to show a weak hand, and subordinate nations are rightly seen to be cutting off their noses to spite their faces. Putin is bound to jack prices and demand payment under new terms.  The Euro will collapse.  The USD, excluded completely, will collapse also, especially when it becomes clear that America cannot deliver on all its petroleum export promises.  Various nations and groups have surely seen the writing on the wall and are working together to accelerate new, more nimble alliances to avoid the most pathological outcome. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:01 | 5191540 angel_of_joy
angel_of_joy's picture

Europe goes "All In'' is the PC speaking for "Europe goes Full Retard".

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 00:21 | 5192617 mkkby
mkkby's picture

Let's play chess. 

The Saudis played a large role in attacks against Syria.  So Syria and Iran have scores to settle.  Suppose Russian merks were to help them attack Saudi oil supply lines and political targets.  Stir up a popular revolt there.  Might that make Russian oil and gas more valuable right before a EU embargo and winter?

There's lots of ways Russia can make it dicey for the west.  So far all they've done is sign trade agreements.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 03:59 | 5192803 jeff montanye
jeff montanye's picture

they can buy silver futures and stand for delivery.  ditto gold.

if this guy knows this much: https://wikispooks.com/wiki/Document:Fifty_Years_of_the_Deep_State

(not to mention laurent guyenot) what more does the kgb? 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 05:46 | 5192872 Squid-puppets a...
Squid-puppets a-go-go's picture

syria is pinned. it has to focus 100% on defence to have any chance, it aint gonna go on any saudi offensive

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:20 | 5192312 kaiserhoff
kaiserhoff's picture

As opposed to Bath House?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:21 | 5190941 Andre
Andre's picture

They don't think they have. Think about all the preparations that have been going on since 9/11 - even Europe has been militarizing its police forces/increasing its civilian surveillance.

This game has been planned for many years.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:24 | 5191118 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

More like 911 AD. I did see Russia celebrated its 1000 year anniversy.

We'll see how the next 1000 years go.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 06:15 | 5192880 Tall Tom
Tall Tom's picture

Release, Release - Yes

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xkSFJgZ5bg

 

Have you heard before, hit it out, don't look back
Rock is the medium of our generation
Stand for every right, kick it out, hear you shout
For the right of all of creation

We've heard before, but we just don't seem to move
The pressure's on is there lack of concentration

Power defy our needs, lift us up, show us now
Show us how amid the rack of confusion
Drive in thoughts of high, satisfy, in a plan
Set it out for all to understand it

We've heard before, but we just don't seem to move
The pressure's on is there lack of concentration

We are lost and wondering, maybe, how it is
Seems to me, it's as simple as this
No matter, where you go, you're going to find
You won't see me in front, but you can't leave me behind

Power at first to the needs of each others days
Simple to lose in the void sounds of anarchy's calling ways
All unaccounted for in the craziness of power
In the craziness

 

Release all, release all, or abandon your hope for your brother
Release all, release all, or abandon your hope for your sister
Release, release, enough controllers
Show some signs of appreciated loyalties
Release, release, enough controllers
Show some signs of appreciated loyalties

 

We've going to get it, got to get it, got to get it right

 

Straight jacket, freedom's march, is it all, far beyond
Our reason of understanding
Campaign everything, anti-right, anti-left
Anticipate the love of creation

 

Stand for every right
Kick it out, hear you shout
Further the right
Further the right
Further the light
Of all of creation

Power at first to the needs of each other's days
Simple to lose in the void of anarchy's calling ways
All unaccounted for in the craziness of power
In the craziness
Release all, release all, or abandon your hope for your brother
Release all, release all, or abandon your hope for your sister
Release, release
Release, release
Release, release
Release, release

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:05 | 5191220 Rip van Wrinkle
Rip van Wrinkle's picture

Sorry to say, PC, not a fucking chance. Unfortunately.

 

It will be Putin's fault....all Putin's fault. The average guy is incapable if understanding that we are being run by psychotic gangsters.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 19:15 | 5191921 mt paul
mt paul's picture

"European Spring"

 

in the winter time ..

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:07 | 5190898 PeakOil
PeakOil's picture

Yes. This would appear to be a continuation of a theme. Of Petrodollar and Anglo-American-NeoFascist-Ziocon BIS/WB/IMF/NWO dominance. Except Putin won't play ball. Russia is not Iraq. And Russia is not Libya. Russia is Russia and Russia has nukes. Lots of fucking nukes. I highly doubt that western Europe is suicidal.

The NWO led by the sole exceptional nation is desperately attempting to hold onto power. This is a brazen gambit. WTF are these idiots thinking? They're losing. Just a question of how rapidly.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:04 | 5191394 Glasnost
Glasnost's picture

Is it time to change my dollars for rubles yet?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 19:55 | 5192048 TungstenBars
TungstenBars's picture

Best bet is gold, or other PM.

 

Won't get you sent to a FEMA camp as fast as Rubles. 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 12:38 | 5193915 Glasnost
Glasnost's picture

Can't quite function too well in the world of cities without a fiat right now.

Second point is why I already left Murica. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:25 | 5192324 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

just go there

13% Flat Tax only and more free

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 18:35 | 5191808 ThroxxOfVron
ThroxxOfVron's picture

"Russia/Putin is enemy #1 to the most important pillar of American hegemony, the PetroDollar. America has to squash Putin at all costs, here and now, or America collapses."

 

It is China that is actually undermining the US/PetroDollar if undermining the PetroDollar is the big issue.

China cut the long term energy deal with Russia: Energy will NOT trade in US$  Russia has a right to sell it's goods and services and to take payment in whatever it wishes.  Interesting that the seller and not the buyer is reviled...

China cut a trade deal with Argentina: they will trade in yuan, they will NOT trade in US$.

AFAIK, China is creating bi-lateral YUAN-centric trade agreements faster and of larger size than any other nation.

 

Is aggression the big issue?

China seems to be rather intent on the South China Seas, Japanese-claimed islands... and there was once this place called 'Tibet'...

Agression takes other forms as well.  

IMHO, the blatant counterfeiting of technology is a type of aggression as well as selling inedible and/or toxic substances marketed as safe foodsuffs...

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:37 | 5192185 robertocarlos
robertocarlos's picture

Sorry but in this socialist world patents are BS. Maybe the USSA should try capitalism.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 01:24 | 5192696 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

ThroxxOfVron,

Pretty accurate post. Wish you had left the foodstuff out.

Anyway, not using US dollar, bi-lateral trade agreements that not use US banks, intellectual property rights such as Microsoft and Apple no longer respected or used will be considered a hostile act by the US government.

 

Prepared for WW-3!

 

 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 06:25 | 5192886 Mitzibitzi
Mitzibitzi's picture

Patents are mostly bullshit under any economic system.

Anyone ever noticed that the companies that take out the most patents - and defend them most aggressively - are the ones that generally just made a minor modification to an existing idea, claimed it was something peachy-keen and new, then got right on with having the products made in whichever 3rd world sweatshop country could do it cheapest?

The innovative companies don't do as much in the way of trying to patent every nut and bolt they can think of. If you've had a string of good ideas and are pretty sure you can keep coming up with them in the future, patents can actually be counterproductive. It's often better to see what others do with your last idea; can give you future ideas.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 23:31 | 5192552 PT
PT's picture

The Chinese may have copied everyone else but everyone else kept coming back for more. 

"Oh, I'm sooooo shocked!  They did it AGAIN!"
"So why do you keep going back?"
"Because they are so CHEAP!!!  Plus you should have seen how much they paid me for this useless old piece of rope!"

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:56 | 5190639 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Ukraine produces food.  Ukraine is not NATO.  Ukraine would fall in weeks or less if Russia did invade.  If Russia does not invade it will be a chilly winter and Assad falling won't help in time.  Putin still has the winning hand here. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:47 | 5190828 sun tzu
sun tzu's picture

They are also 100% dependent on Russia for oil and gas. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:39 | 5190939 BlindMonkey
BlindMonkey's picture

72%

They can import 28% of their required gas from reverse flow pipes.

Oh wait....where do those countries get their gas?

Never mind. You are right. Carry on.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:46 | 5191501 TheFourthStooge-ing
TheFourthStooge-ing's picture

Speaking of reverse flow, isn't there a certain eastern European Yatzi Junta regime that is kind of counting on its supply of gas this winter being delivered via reverse flow from the vast stored reserves of the rest of Europe?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:23 | 5191607 Captain Obvious.
Captain Obvious.'s picture

Reverse flow means blowback. Comprehende?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:18 | 5192304 conscious being
conscious being's picture

Russia just bought the German company that  controls the backflow of gas into Ukraine.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:18 | 5191591 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

Hmm.  Who pays for the reverse gas flow ?  EU pays Ukraine ?  or its FREE gas ?  keeping it real.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:59 | 5191046 Terminus C
Terminus C's picture

I am not saying Russia will starve, they have grain, but it will be mighty sparse in the fruits and vegetables department.  Also, to invade Ukraine for food would be a significant escalation. Holodomor part deux.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:42 | 5191158 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

"Holdodmor in reverse" only it won't happen. Russia doesn't have food security issues like the 1930's.

Nor does Ukraine.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:14 | 5191578 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

Without Oil or natGas resources and inability to pay Russia, Ukraine may get frozen this winter and not be able to farm their land...

Unless they return to dark-age technology...but then there will be very very low crop yield and not enough to feed the entire Ukrane population.

2014/15 Ukraine winter will be very cold in Kiev.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:24 | 5192318 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

Kyiv had money to pay, but spend it to kill....

and beligerent about it.

"We threw out Oligarch thieves and elected Oligarch killers" -female member of Ukr Rada-

 

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 22:33 | 5192466 disabledvet
disabledvet's picture

I don't know how to respond that other than to say..."I hope
they know what they're doing" and "I hope their friends don't disappoint them."

They would be the folks on both sides. And the folks in Minsk too.

And of course "these 1500 British Challenger Tanks are for your protection" too.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 04:07 | 5192812 jeff montanye
jeff montanye's picture

they know what they are doing.  they sent their gold reserves to the u.s. for "safe-keeping".

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article37965.htm

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:25 | 5191615 Captain Obvious.
Captain Obvious.'s picture

Except that Brains Trust in the Ukraine has pulled all his farm boys into the military.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:06 | 5191226 Rip van Wrinkle
Rip van Wrinkle's picture

The Russians are a tough breed. They'll survive an awful lot of hardship.

 

Western Europeans are pussies.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 22:39 | 5192479 zen0
zen0's picture

They are pussies now, but in WW2 if the Germans were not used to eating potatoes and cabbage and bread every day forever, they would not have survived past 1940.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:43 | 5191331 Z_End
Z_End's picture

Russia has other nations that will export food to them. They will get through this ok.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 22:43 | 5192487 zen0
zen0's picture

The Chinese, for instance, have a glut of snake guts and fried chicken feet. Russia will be more than ok.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:08 | 5191566 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

Ukraine may have difficult time farming their land without Oil or natGas, and no ability to pay for supplies.

I'd expect Russia to survive the winter with all the resources.

EU will be cold and proud this winter.

Finland at 100% reliance on Russia and far to the North may freeze over this winter.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 18:50 | 5191855 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Finland is not a Nato member and is not going to be...

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 18:50 | 5191859 Dugald
Dugald's picture

Finland at 100% reliance on Russia and far to the North may freeze over this winter.

Not while they are knee deep in firewood....

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 19:14 | 5191919 Calmyourself
Calmyourself's picture

Finland is not a Nato member and is not going to be...

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:21 | 5192115 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

Yes, all is well and remain Calm...if the problems in EU and Baltics does not impact Finland, and depending where they fall-in, it might get interesting.

Finland is like Bulgaria...100% reliant on Russia, but Finland has a direct connection to Russia from Siberia without going through other countries.

Belarus, Bulgaria, Finland...are in similar situations.  But Bulgaria has thrown their central banks open to the EU as a play for early EU admission ?  or South Stream approval by EU ?

Oucomes, and Cold approaches.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 01:36 | 5192712 ebear
ebear's picture

"EU will be cold and proud this winter."

They can turn the thermostat down to 68 and wear sweaters!

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:47 | 5191665 SHRAGS
SHRAGS's picture

The bulk of the Russian's survived the collapse in 1991, seen "Reinventing Collapse" by Dmitry Orlov.  Market gardens on less than 100 square metres of land provided a family with enough calories.  They can do it again.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:28 | 5192331 conscious being
conscious being's picture

Re. They can do it again ... They won't have to. Right now and for at least another month it is harvest time in N. Europe where Russia resides. Locally produced apples, vegetables and grains are in surplus. In the meantime, places like S. America and S.E.Asia, enjoying the new opportunity,  have shipments on the way.

As the AngloZino world dies back, expect adjustments to global trade routes.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 02:00 | 5192744 Zwelgje
Zwelgje's picture

Western Europe will revert back to its 1000 AD status: backwards shithole.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 06:47 | 5192901 Mitzibitzi
Mitzibitzi's picture

Not as much as you might think, actually. I have a friend that currently works in southern Russia (somewhere near Sochi, I think) building pretty high tech glasshouses for growing stuff. He actually works for Pilkington Glass, in the special projects department. The ones they're building are double or triple glazed, with all sorts of coatings on the glass to let light in but stop heat getting out and heated with biogas from onsite digesters, plus some mains gas and electric. There are big government tax incentives in place over the past few years and investment in new greenhouse/glasshouse projects is now in the $10s of billions. Food security is apparently a BIG issue for the Russians. Understandable, given their history and less than ideal agricultural climate. And the fact that they are pissed off with being bullied by the West.

The Russkies used to have many thousands of acres under glass at one time but they've closed a lot of that down in the last 10 years, due to it being old technology that couldn't produce food at prices competitive with importing the stuff instead. If what Dave says is true, the new ones are about 5-6 times better than the old 70s technology ones they're replacing. It's expensive to build, sure, but, if you're a silly rich Russian energy baron, you have to do something with all that revenue. And you can't eat a solid gold toilet.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:21 | 5191602 dirtyfiles
dirtyfiles's picture

Putins waiting and extending is the worst for Ukraine.It will get to this point that Ukrainians ask Putin to attack as this fix all of the problems.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:59 | 5190649 globozart
globozart's picture

One idea i heard was to prevent the German-Russian marriage.

Others?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:04 | 5190893 the phantom
the phantom's picture

Well that's just it, isn't it?  If Germany goes to the Russian side, it's over. Merkel is on thin ice here if this is true... German business will suffer greatly with energy sanctions. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:22 | 5190947 BlindMonkey
BlindMonkey's picture

Will Ebola propagate better with everyone in Europe sharing rooms to keep warm?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:10 | 5191571 HardlyZero
HardlyZero's picture

It is possible Ebola virus does not survive cold weather...and requires tropical climate to spread.

Viruses are generally very sensitive to temperature outside.

Maybe it will spread only in the central cities.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:58 | 5191378 James_Cole
James_Cole's picture

One idea i heard was to prevent the German-Russian marriage.

Others?

The american neocons have been obsessed with having a major nato base right at russia's border for a long time. Seems they're very close to making that a reality - a goal the americans said they'd never pursue..

http://en.ria.ru/images/16127/36/161273653.jpg

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:10 | 5191414 Glasnost
Glasnost's picture

Think it's time Europe responded to Nuland's comments by saying "Fuck NATO".  Create its own European Military Alliance.  And instead of doing silly things to prop up toxic banks with the ECB, use the fiat to significantly increase all member states militaries.  It can still be neutral towards NATO.  

And then it can stop participating in retarded things like sanctions for no reason.

Jesus Christ, even if Russia IS responsible for Rebel uprising in Ukraine, why the hell isn't the U.S. sanctioning itself for all the uprising it caused in say...Libya? 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:10 | 5191415 robobbob
robobbob's picture

ZBig wrote about that in Grand Chessboard

major western strategy imperative-never ever let there be a russian german alliance.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:12 | 5191576 Loup Kib
Loup Kib's picture

Yes.

The Grand Chessboard, Zbigniew Brzezinski, 1997 : http://electrodes.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/brzezinski__the_grand_ches...

traduction française, Le Grand Échiquierhttp://electrodes.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/brzezinski_zbigniew__le-gr...

One can scan the book for " Ukraine " , what's happening today is all there.  As for Ukraine, it's being prepared since at least 1994.

And the maps : http://electrodes.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/map_couloir_france-allemag...

http://electrodes.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/map_couloir_france-allemag...

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 00:50 | 5192650 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

Loup Kib,

Thanks for the book in PDF and your post. Great stuff.

Some of the people here, not all, are so caught up on the moment that, they failed to realize these issues and decisions were made way back.

They are being act now because the moment they have been waiting for has arrived.

Watch Poland and Germany, as you pointed it out in the map.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:32 | 5192173 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

"German-Russian marriage."

With Germany many others would go, at least the Czech and Slovakia would go.  Czech because of th ehistory and Slovakia because of the auto industry....

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:42 | 5191162 Mountainview
Mountainview's picture

Don't forget UEFA's Champions League (soccer event... for US readers). Gazprom is one of the main sponsers. If they retreat it might bring down some footballers salaries. A not too bad thing in principle but it could disturb the event...not even talking about the World Cup 2018...

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:40 | 5191320 Lore
Lore's picture

Strange how often people associate organized sporting entertainment industry with geopolitics. Hitler sure did.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:51 | 5191183 Silver Sativa
Silver Sativa's picture

You're overlooking the fact that climate change global warming will enable Russia to open up lands for farming. Besides, Russia could simply buy food from South America... and North America.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:43 | 5191324 Lore
Lore's picture

There's also those vast fields of rouge on Mars.  Of course, the Martians saw through Al Gore a long time ago...

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 14:12 | 5194377 detached.amusement
detached.amusement's picture

pass that reefer around, you've smoked yourself retarded

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:28 | 5191461 GreedKillz
GreedKillz's picture

Europe does produce some food

Russia had the biggest wheat crop harvest in 2014 in the world.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 00:42 | 5192645 IronForge
IronForge's picture

Not that interesting.

South America's ramping up to cover the European Suppliers.  THEY are entering SUMMER.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 04:36 | 5192833 Falkor
Falkor's picture

You can import food, actually happens all the time. But importing gas across Atlantic, is plain ridiculous.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:46 | 5190601 quintago
quintago's picture

"What is China going to do with all that US paper it holds" we were told? 

...well now you have your answer. They're going ot use this opportunity to reduce their exposure by offloading it to Europe.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 19:25 | 5191962 mt paul
mt paul's picture

build inner-structure  

in Africa

 

as they have been doing 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:53 | 5190624 edwardo1
edwardo1's picture

Whether knowingly or not, these folks are creating conditions that will accelerate a necessary gobal evolution, namely the arrival of the much anticipated monetary reset.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:57 | 5190637 general ambivalent
general ambivalent's picture

We're already in a nuclear war with Fukushima. The risk has already been negated, so war on.

Eventually China and Russia must fall, capital is a minor issue in the West.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:17 | 5190738 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

"Eventually China and Russia must fall"

Huh?

I guess from the perspective of "On a long enough time line..." but not soon and not before us.

Russia has a lean, mean fighting weight. We are soft, fat, and weak. The have collapsed and trimmed some waste, inefficiency, excess, and most importantly, debt. Us, not so much.

Fuckushima is the globe's problem, I agree. But to say China and Russia must fall...

Huh?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:44 | 5190821 oudinot
oudinot's picture

Mscreant: Russia defaulted on their debt in 1998.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:52 | 5190847 angel_of_joy
angel_of_joy's picture

So what ? They seem to feel much better now... May I ask who swallowed those loses ?

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 01:03 | 5192669 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

oudinot,

So did the whole world (defaulted), remember?

 

Do you know why the whole world defaulted?

I think you know the answer.

 

Now, wonder why these nations want to start trading within their currencies...... thus collapsing US economy without even realizing it?

Well, wonder no more.

 

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:58 | 5191043 Anusocracy
Anusocracy's picture

You mean after the West's Carpetbaggers and before Putin?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:02 | 5191390 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

Exactly

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:52 | 5192371 conscious being
conscious being's picture

And this is the reason why, the only reason why the Zionists, the banks, their disgraceful MSM, and the undercover as well as out-of-the-closet zino pimps, trolling here have so much hate for V.V.P.

Putin clawed back the ill-gotten gains and gave it to the people. Under Putin, Russian GDP is up 10x. Pensions are up 20x. Inflation has dropped from 36% to 6%. etc. https://m.facebook.com/TruthfromUkraine/photos/a.1482868135269867.107374...

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 05:52 | 5192875 escapeefromOZ
escapeefromOZ's picture

It would be interesting how Putin will react . He could claim that sanctions are hurting the economy and take over some US firms operating in Russia under the excuse of compensation . The only problem is to find a suitable US company operating in Russia worth many billions of dollars . EXXON ? Then what will the EU and their US masters do ? It is going to be an interesting and cold winter . 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:07 | 5191068 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

We need to default too. The longer we lie to everyone, promising to pay them back, the worse this gets. We print into hyperinflation in an attempt to cover our crimes or we deflate as the lie of asset values becomes apparent to one and all in the big margin call and sell off. Either route means we violate contracts and trust throughout the world bringing our ability to participate in commerce to a halt. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:57 | 5191205 Bemused Observer
Bemused Observer's picture

Yes, either way results in a lot of short-term pain. But I think that recovery would be faster if we took the route of facing the problem head-on, rather than the slow-burn of pretending the system can be salvaged despite the evidence that it simply cannot.
I think we'd find it easier to re-establish economic credibility if the rest of the world could see us acting rationally, even if such rational actions caused widespread disruption for awhile.

Either way, our Western-style economy is going to earn a lot of well-earned disdain and contempt. The only thing we MIGHT be able to salvage from the whole mess is credibility, IF we are seen to have admitted our failure. IF we are seen by history as voluntarily stepping aside and letting something better take over.

The thing is, I believe TPTB are smart enough to know that what they've created is going down in flames. Something new WILL replace our system...so why not at least exit stage left gracefully, and with a little dignity, rather than wait to be yanked off by hook?

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 15:19 | 5191258 oudinot
oudinot's picture

Russia defaulted,its helped them as they started fresh.  So they don't have the ball and chain of debt that the West does.  Kinda like when Ford went broke in 2006-worked out well as there was alot of private capital available at that time so they came out fine.  In 2008-9 when the other auto companies went broke there was no private capital available so the US government had to step in.  Russia defaulted at a providential time.

Mscreant, you are one hundred per cent right, the US should default forthwith.  That default would unleash all the talent, entrepreneurism potential the US possesses; unfortunately, TPTB won't let that remedy occur as they are the creditor class. So US, the West is experiencing, will experience  a slow motion crash accompanied by a police state, a ruling class and many, many slaves.......

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 23:47 | 5192574 Real Estate Geek
Real Estate Geek's picture

The hangover's always worse if you don't puke before you hit the rack. 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 07:20 | 5192691 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

oudinot,

When US defaults, we will be facing something much worse than a financial collapse.

We will be facing a Societal Collapse.

 

US already used its best natural resources!

 

We would have the highest unemployment ever. Our military would not get paid.

 

We could not afford to maintain electrical and water supply grids and infrastructures.

 

Our institutions such as governments, education, and healthcare will go bankrupted

 

It would end our geopolitical ability to import more than export.

 

And this list is long……

 

 

Beware what you wish for.

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:24 | 5192147 RaceToTheBottom
RaceToTheBottom's picture

As long as it is a real default not a handout to WS.  Default Austrian style.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:01 | 5191386 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

Much more was looted from Russia.

 

 

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 16:32 | 5191472 GreedKillz
GreedKillz's picture

Thats because they have the only convertible currency in the world that does not depend on another.

Jim Rogers

Russia does not just print money endlessly. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:57 | 5191691 sun tzu
sun tzu's picture

Yeah and that reset their debt to zero. Ours is $18 trillion and counting

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 21:52 | 5192378 Au Shucks
Au Shucks's picture

The US defaulted on it's debt at least once when Nixon closed the gold window.  What's your point?

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 00:59 | 5192667 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:34 | 5191632 general ambivalent
general ambivalent's picture

I think my comment must have been misunderstood. I'm not saying I want China and Russia to fall, rather the powers that be want this. If Ukraine is not a big move in the progression towards global dominance then what is it? The USNATO strategy is now in full-on destruction mode, that they are supporting ISIS and other groups suggests this, and that they are willing to go ahead in surrounding Russia with nuclear weapons after forcing Russia into stating it will consider a First Strike also suggests this.

We are not seeing everything that is going on here. The West has no capital, it has war and its history of anxious and manipulative politics, not much else. That is what we will see going forward. This does not mean today or tomorrow, but what we are seeing currently are the seeds of a huge confrontation, a catastrophe. Controlling Eurasia is central to geopolitical strategy, and central to scientific advancement is control of the world. These people are thinking world government, colonisation of space.

It may sound fucked up but both capital and nuclear weapons are both minor issues within the logic of world leaders. Just look at what they do with the markets, just come up with a new method of exuberance. Nuclear weapons become redundant, they lose their fear over time. Like all technology and weapons the threat becomes less real. Of course, we could be wiped out as a species, but the world leaders do not think in these terms. Their language spells it out clearly, 'They will use nuclear weapons to prevent weapons of mass destruction.' What does that mean? It means their nukes, in their hands, are not weapons of mass destruction.

Genetic modification, synthetic biology, avatarisation, funding of militants, EMPs etc. all use a similar logic to nuclear weapons. The logic of Mutually Assured Destruction no longer holds sway, no longer drives fear into people, it has become a part of everyday life. That in itself increases the likelihood of a nuclear exchange. Hell, they've dropped the equivalent of many nukes already on the Middle East, we've been in a nuclear war for twenty years and hardly anyone discusses it. The name has changed, the game has changed, and the appearance of the weapon has changed. That coupled with Fukushima and the lining of Russia's border with NATO nukes suggests that a nuclear exchange is very close to becoming a viable strategy for the various Strangelove sociopaths in the deep state.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 23:34 | 5192557 Sedaeng
Sedaeng's picture

Agreed.  Excellent post.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 23:52 | 5192586 mkkby
mkkby's picture

This is nonsense.  You have the mind of a child.  Retarded one at that.

No fear of MAD?  No.  This is just the US flexing it's muscles, where actual military force is impossible.  We watched for 50 years after WWII, where both sides played the chess game with proxies and never went at each other directly.  That is what MAD gets you.  Now shit heads like you think they will end it all in a flash.  Duh.

Putin and the Chinks know all they have to do is wait USSR out.  We are rushing head long into bankruptcy and currency failure.  They are not stupid enough to be goaded into mass destruction.  They will keep leaning on the drunk until he falls from his own illnesses.  The pot will simmer.  Pussies like you will dream on.

 

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 07:24 | 5192949 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

mkkby,

The nonsense I see here is your comment. Even Putin DID NOT wait. 


Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:03 | 5192067 ThroxxOfVron
ThroxxOfVron's picture

"Makes no sense. Last time I checked the Russians had nukes."

Last time I checked the US had nukes, too.  

Those precious and oh so expensive nukes were not a deterent on 9/11 and they didn't stop the financial terrorists from fucking up the US financial system pretty badly or stop people from streaming over the borders.

Maybe the use-by date on every last nuke has past and there are nothing but fucking duds snoozing in the silos of both Russia and the US.

Maybe the nukes just don't matter anymore.


Maybe after 60 years people don't think nukes will be used any more.  

-Attitudes change.   Globalism.  Western social values shifted aka diversity initiatives, 'white guilt', etc...


Maybe the nukes are not a deterent to anything unless people think that you will actually use them.


Maybe you have to actually use the nukes once in a while to make people think that you will actually use them.


Mon, 09/08/2014 - 04:38 | 5192831 jeff montanye
jeff montanye's picture

 a deterent on 9/11???!!!

deter who, the mossad?  little zionist nukes may well have taken down those heavily-insured, asbestos-laden, larry silverstein enriching, obsolete skyscrapers.

educate yourself.

http://smile.amazon.com/JFK-9-11-Years-Deep-State-ebook/dp/B00GSF6GRM/re...

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:34 | 5190547 Joenobody12
Joenobody12's picture

The Jews wants to pressure Putin to abandon his support for Syria and Iran. That is why. There is no other obvious reason for this insane relentless moves. 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:36 | 5190553 CH1
CH1's picture

LOL... trolls suck.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:52 | 5190617 Keyser
Keyser's picture

So are uninformed idiots that ignore reality... 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:45 | 5190590 Escrava Isaura
Escrava Isaura's picture

globozart, Joenobody12,

Yes, there is!

“United States is becoming a failed state, and thus a danger to its own people and the world.” – Noam Chomsky, 2006

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:00 | 5190650 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Controlling the juice (gas/oil) would seem like a pretty obvious motivator considering they aren't sparring over any barren wasteland that does not have juice or isn't key to moving the juice.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:15 | 5190727 strannick
strannick's picture

The Juice will flow... Or will be stopped to apply leverage.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:12 | 5190716 Rakshas
Rakshas's picture

.....Replace Jews with "Zionist-Psycho-Murdering-Sociopath-Fuctards and those who harbor them " so as not to paint  all of the chosen people with the same bush unnecessarily ......... do i need to use a *.Sarc tag there????

WRT Putin abandoning support for Syraq and Iran...... yeah shorter term perhaps but enter the evil ISIS with all the beheading youtube plays and it will become impossible to not allow NAZO to intervene........but ........ but ........ what if Putin helped the North Atlantic Zionist Idiots (I'd of used NAZI but it's been trademarked by the DC already.....don't want to get sued ya know...) anyway if Vlad was to extend the olive branch by let's say incinerating ISIS I think that would be a nice jesture (not a sp mistake)  don't you??? 

Of course that would probably cause a boom - pardon the pun - in the undertaker business in Nazrael, the US, UK and EU........ (repatriation of ISIS fighters and commanders for the bots not digging' my vibe) 

 

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 14:45 | 5191165 emersonreturn
emersonreturn's picture

rakshas,

 

+1 Nazreal

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 04:43 | 5192836 jeff montanye
jeff montanye's picture

nazreal, zionazis, etc. are not just contemporary formations from observing similarities between today's palestine and the third reich.

the zionists and the nazis were allies for real.

http://www.ihr.org/jhr/v13/v13n4p29_Weber.html

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:37 | 5190560 Greenskeeper_Carl
Greenskeeper_Carl's picture

agreed. Its stunning to watch such stupidity on display. Once russia completes the infrastructure to ship all the energy to china, I hope they remember this and tell europe to fuck off. The only possible good that could come out of this is that once the energy prices skyrocket this winter, the european citizens realize they are being fucked over in a political game, and vote every one of these clowns out of office, and finally stop electing people who will harm their own citizens following the US over the cliff.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:07 | 5190640 cowdiddly
cowdiddly's picture

Who gets elected in Brussels? The European s lost their individual Soverienty with Nato and the Euro scam. I pray a few start asking for it back.

EU is being run by the red shield and they don't like you putting BRICS in their wall. They could care less how many millions are put in the ovens.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 11:57 | 5190641 PT
PT's picture

Oh those politicians make me sooooooo angry.  I'm gonna wait four years until voting time and then vote them out of office!  That'll show 'em.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:03 | 5190655 PT
PT's picture

No point punishing a dog an hour after he's done something wrong.  He won't have a clue what you're angry about.

Politicians?  5 minutes.  And no guarantee that the new politician will change anything that the old one did wrong.

EDIT:  Okay, I confess, with dogs you have to be on the game pretty well straight away too.  I got a little carried away there.

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 04:47 | 5192837 jeff montanye
jeff montanye's picture

yes but many can be trained with patience and consistency.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 12:18 | 5190739 fockewulf190
fockewulf190's picture

Well, looks like I´m going to be installing a coal burning stove next week.  Germany will need it´s nuclear power plants  this winter.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:06 | 5190897 crazzziecanuck
crazzziecanuck's picture

Theoretically, the EU could take constructive steps to rebuild it's energy infrastructure along more renewable technologies.  It would necessitate sacrifice from everyone.

But we know that will never happen.  There is even an acceptance amongst those outside the EU elite that it's the best plan, but it's the EU elite itself which will never entertain such an idea.

Russia, Putin and all his advisors know this and so the EU elite itself is it's own worst enemy.

For that reason, I shed no tears.  They are not leaders.  They are wastes of space and threats to social and economic order.

Anyways....

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 20:56 | 5192238 booboo
booboo's picture

"renewable technologies."

Just what the fuck is that? and no that will not work either.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 17:33 | 5191629 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

Selling it all to only ONE country (China!)???  Yeah, there's a Risk Manager, who's ass I'd fire in a hearbeat.  Ever heard of D-I-V-E-R-S-I-F-Y ?

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 05:16 | 5192863 ebear
ebear's picture

They don't need to sell in perpetuity - just enough to get their economy growing.   Russia has something no other nation it's size has in the world today:  the potential to be entirely self-sufficient.  Keeping them from achieving that is the west's aim, which ironically just pushes them further down that path.

In the meantime, it helps if your #2 threat (China) is dependant on you for energy.  Less likely they'll mess with you, plus you get technology transfer in exchange, which helps your primary goal.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 19:14 | 5191924 Lea
Lea's picture

"Once russia completes the infrastructure to ship all the energy to china, I hope they remember this and tell europe to fuck off".

They won't do that. That wouldn't be like the Russians. They will watch the EU disintegrate, and once the countries will go, with big embarrassed smiles, one by one, back to Russia to cut gas/food/whatever they'll be sorely missing deals, they will accept without even saying "we told you so". Best way to make their oponents feel like pieces of shit two inches tall. The Russians love that.

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 13:08 | 5190840 crazzziecanuck
crazzziecanuck's picture

NATO is desperate for a win in their column.  Afghanistan is a mess.  Libya is a mess.

Most of the world has figured out that the US and NATO are now paper tigers.  And both the US and NATO are having a hard time adjusting to the fact they can no longer threaten the world with impunity.

Last thing NATO needs is yet another black eye.  It's not confined just the US, but because most other NATO countries have hitched their wagons to the US empire, they have to "go all in."  Any diminishment of NATO or the USA is detrimental to the constituent parts (particularly the elites) of its membership.  The elites collectively know who butters their bread and so move in concert; no conspiracy required.  They all think alike and share identical worldviews and aspirations.

And the key to sustained elite rule is to convince a large portion of the population that their interests coincide with our own.  Not even a majority, either.  The other key component is to make many more indifferent and accepting of their own exploitation.

So, they need to "win" in the Ukraine.  NATO has backed itself into a corner repeatedly over this crisis.

All this posturing in NATO countries is about domestic politics, not international security or the myriad of bogus reasons they publicly offer up.

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