USA, wtf

Catseye3

They can still both be true. Putting one interest out in front doesn't negate the existence of the other one.

Klaus

They can still both be true. Putting one interest out in front doesn't negate the existence of the other one.

No, not in this case. The trade deficit between US and Russia is far bigger than between EU and Russia. The US itself is using a lot of Russian energy products. If dependence on Russia really were an issue, the US could easily start with this on their home turf instead of sticking their nose into the trade of their partners and using methods that Al Capone could have come up with.

Catseye3

Thanks for the clarification. This gets into unfamiliar territory for me. Very interesting, though.

Catseye3

Here is an interesting chart of the trade deficit/surplus status of all the countries in the world. The information is also presented in a color-coded world map.

For example, the US is -4.31% of GDP;

Germany is 6.63%;

UK is -7.81%;

China is 2.94%;

Russia is 9.69%;

Afganistan is -33.23%;

https://countryeconomy.com/trade/balance

Renauda

I have to agree with Klaus on this. It's all about the US wanting to sell its gas into Europe. That, and a misplaced sense of entitlement to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries.

Doctor Phibes

Making America grate, again.

Copper

Whether we provide assistance or meddle

depends on whether you are buying or selling.

Renauda

@Doctor-Phibes

That would be about right. Grate. Like a stucco bathtub.

Klaus

New blackmail from US senators.

https://www.cruz.senate.gov/files/documents/Letters/2020.08.05 Final Mukran Port Letter.pdf

Are they not aware that this letter will make it completely impossible for Germany to not finish the pipeline? Now it's not a question of energy safety and economics anymore. It has become a question of whether we are a free country or not. There isn't a single politician who would dare to call the project off after this, regardless of the costs.

Is that really the way how the US wants to conduct foreign policy in the future? By bullying and blackmailing allies?

Catseye3

It would be interesting to learn about the whole to-and-fro (in detail) between Russia and the US over Nord Stream II from the beginning. I'll bet it's a pip. My own knowledge is practically non-existent.

Subtext to MAGA. "America: Making Friends Wherever We Go." First China, then Europe. Who's next? Has Borneo done anything annoying lately?

I guess having an asshole in the White House for four years can result in such deterioration in US global influence that bellicose letters like this become warranted.

The near warlike tone suggests the US is running scared. Great strategy. And yes, a virtual guarantee that the pipeline will go forward.

taiwan_girl

One of my major frustrations with President Trump and his policies is that he seems to look at everything that is has to be a "win - lose".

In other words, if I win, you have to lose.

My whole career, I have learned that it is best to try and make things a "win-win". I realize it is not possible to do this in all situations, but it can certainly be that way in many (if not most) cases.

A win-lose mentality only causes long term problems in foreign relations, etc.

I think that the above case is just one example of President Trumps "win-lose" philosophy.

We have discussed before, but I do believe that relations with foreign countries is probably lower worldwide than it has been in a long long time,

Copper

@taiwan_girl said in USA, wtf:

One of my major frustrations with President Trump and his policies is that he seems to look at everything that is has to be a "win - lose".

The previous president had a similar approach.

Except "win" wasn't an option.

MAGA

Larry

I totally disagree with the notion that Trump is a "win/lose" type. That is purely an opinion, one reached without paying attention to what he actually does.

The New Coffee Room

USA, wtf