Tiny Bubbles... In the Baltic

Many talking heads are saying Russia is behind the Nordstream pipeline sabotage. And, whoever did it, it is being called a “terrorist act.”

Seems to me this is a classic example of the general principle that when they decide to lie, people will assert the very opposite of the truth.

Russia has no motive to blow up their own infrastructure and source of income. 

And “terrorism” is the use of terror to achieve a political goal. If nobody takes responsibility for the act, and we can only guess at the motive, this is not, by definition, terrorism. 

I have seen the argument that this protects Russia from financial liability for cutting off gas supply to Germany. But they had already cut off supply to Germany. If necessary for legal purposes, they could use the excuse of generator problems, for example, without actually damaging their future earnings.

What is the benefit to Russia, in any case, of cutting off gas supply to Germany? Germany loses, but they lose too. The only value is to pressure Germany to stop sending aid to Ukraine. For this, two things are essential: Germany must know that the lack of oil or gas is due to sending weapons to Ukraine, and Russia must be able to turn the supply back on if Germany stops sending weapons to Ukraine. 

Blowing the pipeline anonymously fails on both these counts. Instead, now Russia has lost its ability to pressure Germany. And, after the war, Russia is going to have a much more difficult time getting back on its feet.

That leaves the US as the likeliest suspect.

If so, this was a profoundly reckless act, probably a war crime, and to some extent a betrayal of allies. Which is why the US is not taking responsibility for it.

I expect this truth will out, or already be out, on the Internet and in government channels, if never acknowledged to the general public.

There will be hell to pay for the US in international prestige, and this ought to be an impeachable act. 

Sabotage in the Baltic Sea

 

Reuters

In our latest reports from the apocalypse, the Nordstream 1 and Nordstream 2 pipelines have both sprung leaks at the same moment. 

There seems to be no question that this is an act of sabotage. And no one but a “state actor” could do it. A state actor with significant naval capabilities. 

I say it was either the Americans or the British, probably using a submarine.

No immediate problem for German supply, since the pipelines were barely in operation. But makes it harder for Russian supply to resume in the near future. 

Seems to me it’s a way to hurt Russia. It also helps the US’s oil and gas industry, because they can theoretically replace Russia as supplier. Canada can as well.

I imagine Germany or Denmark, near whose waters it happened, have to be unhappy about it. At least for public consumption. Hence the need for stealth mode.

Why now? Perhaps in retaliation for the Russia callup of reserves. Perhaps as a shot across the bow in response to Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons. 

Others suggest it was Russia. I don't see the motive.