Nord-Stream Risk

Word is now making its way out that Russia is at least posturing as if the huge Nord-Stream gas pipeline project may be curtailed. This project was designed to cut Eastern Europe out of the loop on Natural Gas deliveries to Germany (and the rest of Western Europe), and has been cited as the prime example of how the former Schroeder administration (1998~2005) in Germany was willing to mortgage the security of the nation for commercial advantage...

The most recent Jamestown Foundation analysis is pretty rough on the whole situation, ending with:

The single most important factor behind the gas demand growth in Germany, however, is the political decision to reduce reliance on nuclear power and eventually abandon it altogether. The former Social Democrat-Green government forced that decision on Germany and adheres to it rigidly in the current coalition government, despite growing objections by the Christian Democrat/Christian Social Union.

Given Gerhard F. K. Schroeder's current employment as head of the shareholders committee of Nord-Stream A.G., it certainly has been to *his* advantage.

G. Schroeder has pretty much filled the role of chief apologist for the Putin-Medvedev show in recent years, including such highlights as coming down firmly on their side in matters regarding Estonia and Rep. Georgia. The late U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos probably had the best take on G. Schroeder:

"I referred to him as a political prostitute, now that he's taking big checks from (Russian President Vladimir) Putin. But the sex workers in my district objected, so I will no longer use that phrase," Lantos said.

One has to wonder whether Herr Schroeder is going to feel a bit *used* if the Nord-Stream project comes unravelled.

Naw, probably not.