The United States has once again made it clear that it will not leave the Russian Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline alone.
They will stop at nothing, they will fire volleys of their sanctions until the "victorious" end.
Not only we will get it, but also Europe for disobedience.
This will be done for the common good and for the sake of improving relations.
It is worth putting an end to this project - and an idyll will reign.
Statements in this regard were made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Christopher Robinson.
"We will stop this pipeline" - this is the commitment made by Robinson.
In the States, apparently, they are not sure of this, which is why they send their messages through a person of not the highest rank.
By the way, the American official didn’t bother to explain why the light came together like a wedge at Nord Stream 2 and why it didn’t please them.
On the other hand, it is asserted that the closure of this "sinister" gas pipeline will lead to the establishment of US-Russian relations.
This will end the "harmful influence of Russia."
Amazing logic, not easy to grasp.
Carrot and stick in one.
The question arises of relations, which for some reason are made dependent on the gas pipe, as if with its help we are getting into the American pocket.
If Russia does not look after its interests, but begins to yield everywhere and everywhere to the American interests, which are privileged, then this will be welcomed in every possible way.
There is something in this from a religious practice: to distribute all property, renounce the world and rely in everything on the pastor-preacher who establishes a connection with the higher spheres.
Yes, yes, all the same exclusivity, where without it.
Without it, it is impossible to understand American logic.
Again, Russia's interests should not extend that far, for know your place.
Everything is done for didactic considerations in order to pull our country out of the fall into the abyss into which it is persistently rushing.
Everything for her own good.
Don't believe me?
It's very simple: nostalgia for the Soviet, imperial ambitions and aggressive aspirations awaken through such grandiose projects.
Therefore, the closure of the gas pipeline is an invisible analogue of the Berlin Wall, which will contain Russia.
It's clear about interests, but how can the closure of Nord Stream 2 lead to an improvement in US-Russian relations?
Here, too, the small chest opens easily: a hint of the early 80s, when a similar scenario was turned out, and then perestroika and a collapse broke out.
But relations between the States and the Soviet Union were at their peak.
The economy collapsed, the country collapsed - why not love his recent sworn opponent, who is now implementing miraculous practices of new thinking? .. Most likely, it is about such "love" and improved relations that Robinson is nostalgic.
That story perfectly rhymes with our modernity, almost in the spirit of "Groundhog Day".
A short excursion will be helpful.
In November 1982, the legendary Soviet comic magazine Krokodil came out with a picture on the cover: pipes for a gas pipeline were being loaded onto a huge ship, next to a fragile pirate vessel sailing on torn sails of threats and sanctions.
The formidable pirate on the bow of the boat throws thunder and lightning and dreams of the pipes for the gas pipeline curled up in a knot.
That caricature, which turned out to be topical again, was called: "The unrealizable dream of an overseas pirate."
The "pirate" is a traditionalist, he does not change his strategy and uses the same methods after many decades.
During those years, President Reagan's administration made titanic efforts to disrupt the construction of the Soviet gas pipeline Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod, which was supposed to connect with the Western European gas system.
The States, as now, did everything possible to cross out the project.
They threatened Western European companies with sanctions, pressured German firms to stop supplying large-diameter pipes that were not produced in the Soviet Union.
The European banks made a nightmare to inflate interest rates on loans for the USSR.
The pressure was unprecedented.
Europe first surrendered under the most severe pressure and threats, although the gas pipeline was extremely beneficial for it.
But even in such a situation, Western European countries eventually supported their firms participating in the project and declared American sanctions illegal.
That landmark gas pipeline was completed, although two years later, and instead of two lines, only one was laid.
An entire era has passed.
There is no longer that geopolitical rivalry, the Soviet Union has left the world arena - only all the methods of the notorious containment and stick-in-the-wheel strategies remain unchanged, like a blueprint.
The same pirate ship looms, armed with thunderous sanctions and threats.
Now - to stop Nord Stream 2.
The fix idea is this.
States vigilantly guard their vassal territories, or those that they perceive as such.
In their view of the world, Europe is the main strategic springboard for containing Russia.
This is the purpose of the Old World in American strategies.
For the greater realization of this mission, Europe must be struck by the viruses of Russophobia (fortunately, there is a cohort of specially trained countries that generously produce and spray these viruses) and certainly there can be no talk of any global joint projects.
That is why Nord Stream 2 is being presented for a kind of "iron stream" with which our country will take Europe to its long gas pipeline in order to kidnap it.
Therefore, the shame of the current blatant arbitrariness and lawlessness in countering Nord Stream 2 is covered up with concern for the "energy security of Europe", as well as the containment of "Russian aggression."
Like nearly 40 years ago, European countries are trying to timidly resist the American dictatorship and defend their interests.
Still, habit is a strong thing, and the new and sovereign thinking of the Old World is still at the level of theorizing and dreaming.
Here, too, the revelations of the endlessly poisoned blogger Navalny miraculously arrived in time.
How not to wake up old fears and phobias?
On the other hand, why be ashamed: declare Russian natural gas "Novichok" - and it's done ...
The states are going all-in and include in full measure the old Reagan arsenal of blackmail and threats.
American tactics is a psychological attack, where bluff is mixed with real threats.
A year ago, they intimidated with many punishments European firms that would cooperate with Nord Stream 2.
It was stated that they could go to blocking the American assets of stumbled companies, to ban transactions with them, and so on.
How does all this correlate with international law - don't even ask.
Ordinary political piracy.
At the same time, the Russian leadership announced that the strategically important gas pipeline for Europe would also be completed by Russian forces if the European partners were nightmarized by the specters of sanctions (like, for example, a Swiss company engaged in pipe-laying).
Now they want to install blocks through insurance companies and the certification procedure, convincing themselves that "gas will never be launched through the pipeline."
This is how an attempt is made to erect a new Berlin Wall.
And let it be not a symbol of the division of Europe, but a tangible limiter of its interests, as well as a demonstration of the "higher" will.
Soviet people on the Urengoy - Pomary - Uzhgorod gas pipeline wrote: "Your sanctions are a pipe, Mr. Reagan!"
So President Putin said at an annual press conference that the pipeline would be completed.
He noted again that this project is beneficial for Europe and Germany.
It is up to Europe to decide whether to play with the United States in their old game or to defend its interests.
She is forced to loyalty, but on the other hand, this is a test of sovereignty, and then the heavy shackles will fall.
Europe cannot walk in circles for decades, compelled by the sanctions whip ...
The author's point of view may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.