Angela Merkel begins to dare the United States. Of course, the Federal Chancellor of Germany does this in an extremely polite and inoffensive manner. But in the case of the current US-German conflict, it’s not so much the form in which Berlin expresses its displeasure that matters, but the fact that he dares to it in principle. According to Frau Merkel, the extraterritorial sanctions that Washington is applying and is ready to apply with respect to the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline, "do not correspond to the understanding (questions. - M. R. ) of law" existing in Germany. Compared to the furious statements that Merkel periodically makes regarding certain Russian actions, such a rebuke against Washington is somehow not very impressive. But it is important to see the situation in perspective.
In the political elite of Germany they are so accustomed to sit under the American "security umbrella" that they consider it normal that their big brother periodically allows himself to play a little foolishly. The Germans have not been surprised for a long time that this very notorious “security umbrella” regularly appears not over their heads, but in their ribs. But the behavior of the cheeky American defender in the situation with Nord Stream 2 turned out to be so provocative that patience even ended in Berlin.
The underlined soft form of Angela Merkel’s statement should not be misleading. Usually obedient Germany challenged Washington with a demonstrative challenge. It remains only to wait what exactly will follow. Will this challenge be supported by any action? Or, outraged, Berlin will turn America another cheek for another slap in the face? I'd like to hope for the development of the situation according to the first option. After all, the tactics with which the US is trying to drown Nord Stream 2 is gangsterism in its purest and most concentrated form.
Recently I watched the wonderful American gangster drama “The Irishman” by the brilliant director Martin Scorsese. One of the plot twists of this film looks like this. A certain owner of the laundry is extremely dissatisfied with the fact that a competing enterprise was opened not far from him, where the same services are provided both cheaper and better. Therefore, he decides to "restore justice": he is trying to agree on the planting of a bomb, which should tear apart the production of competitors.
Official Washington’s policy towards Nord Stream 2 is built absolutely on the same principles. The Americans do not want to compete honestly with Russian gas. They are simply trying to eliminate a competitor from the market. Of course, all this is covered by a fig leaf of political demagogy. Like, we are not protecting our selfish interests! We stand guard over democracy in Europe! You can’t buy “aggressive” Russian gas! Buy only ours - “free and democratic”! It, of course, is much more expensive for consumers. But you have to pay for freedom and democracy!
Americans have the unique ability to earnestly believe even in the most stupid aspects of their own propaganda. But for any unbiased observer it is obvious: in fact, we are talking about the apotheosis of dishonest methods of competition. For the Germans, this is also obvious.
They are well aware that they are trying to get them to purchase goods that are disadvantageous to them. And it's not just about losing a huge amount of money over the years. It is about the competitiveness of the German economy. The path that Washington is trying to direct Germany is obviously undermining this competitiveness. Berlin is de facto invited to come to terms with its status not only as a military and political, but also as an economic satellite of the United States.
Question: What will Germany do when faced with such an obvious challenge to its economic sovereignty? In Washington, apparently, they believe that they will raise their hands up. Trump has one well-known feature. The US President is sweet and charming with those international players who are able to give him a tough rebuff. But with those whom Trump considers weaklings, he behaves extremely unceremoniously. How can this be countered? The answer is obvious: we must move from the category of wimps to the category of tough guys - tough guys.
No one demands from Berlin to abandon its traditional security ties with the United States. Any such requirement would be at least unrealistic at the moment. But to expect Germany to show that she has a ridge is, on the contrary, quite realistic and reasonable. In the most correct form, Merkel said that the US position is directly contrary to international law. Such a statement obliges a lot. And above all, it commits itself to actions aimed at protecting its own economic sovereignty.
Russia commits such actions. Now it is Germany's turn. Angela Merkel with good reason has a reputation as an iron lady of German politics. Now she is obliged to reaffirm and consolidate this reputation. As they say, we look forward to! Your way out, Frau Angela! We very much hope that your affairs will not go wrong with your words!
The author’s point of view may not coincide with the position of the publisher.