After four years of claiming that America was harming trans-Atlantic relations, the Biden administration just stuck a shiv in its back. Or perhaps not.
The NS2 natural gas pipeline, planned to run from Russia to Germany, is neither economically necessary nor geopolitically prudent. It would increase European dependence on Russian gas and magnify Russia’s ability to use its European energy dominance as a political trump card. It would also calcify European disagreements over energy that the Nord Stream II project has opened, and it would undermine U.S. allies in Eastern and Central Europe.
America is lying on its back, baby! Or so it appears. The simplest explanation is that old Democratic habits of ignoring Russian threats are reasserting themselves.
Really, when Democrats talk to Russians, I get queasy. I mean, is this just another outreach to people who hate us in an effort to make new friends by offering concessions?
The United States and Russia will hold the first round of strategic and arms control talks of the Biden administration next week in Switzerland, the two countries announced on Friday.
That's how I'd normally bet. I'd think Biden is throwing Ukraine under the bus (Poland at least has NATO membership) in yet another effort to turn a hostile force into a friend via concessions.
But perhaps not.
There is just one possible justification for this American move on the pipeline in light of the broader agenda. If the pipeline issue is designed as a grand American and German gesture to get Russia moving toward turning against China and ending Russia's insane policy of hostility toward NATO.
If Russian leaders aren't too paranoid to do something that makes some damned sense.
If we can get past that little paranoia problem, we'll see Russian movements toward that pivot to Asia over the course of the Biden administration. So we'll know if this pipeline decision is crazy or smart before too long.
I have my political leanings. But I try to make sure my analysis isn't blinded by politics. I guess I'll have to wait and see if we live to regret this decision or live to appreciate it.
