Russia underestimates Europe
Russia wants to use the energy card to keep Europe under its thumb.
But Europe has other plans. The past week has seen two dynamic moves by
Gazprom, Russia's state-owned energy company.
First, there were the provocative comments by former German
Chancellor Gerhard Schr”der, head of a Gazprom-led operation to build a
gas pipeline under the Baltic, that the European Union has "no reliable
alternative to Russia for its energy needs. Schr”der's comment comes
just as European leaders are discussing the Continent's need for
diversifying its energy suppliers.
Second, Gazprom decided to invest a whopping $3 billion to strengthen
its presence in the South American nation of Bolivia. This move shows
the changing dynamics of the energy sector in the world. Just as Western
investment in energy and minerals is being driven out of the country,
Russia has been allowed to slot right in. As the *Observer* noted "[G]as-rich
countries such as Russia are using the clout that high energy prices
have given them to plant their flags in parts of the world that would
have been off limits only a few years ago" Who can doubt that the
balance of power in energy politics is shifting, and that Russia has
assumed a central role?
Certainly, Russia holds an influential position in global energy
politics.
But Schr”der's comment inferring that Europe is at the mercy of
Russia for its energy supply lacks insight into the history of the
Continent. It was designed to caution Europe's leaders against standing
up to Russia, and to encourage them to simply rely on Moscow as a stable
energy partner. Instead, it will have the opposite effect.
As Moscow lords its energy card over Europe, the Continent has two
options.
It can become a slave to Moscow, or it can seek to match Russian
power and influence. History and Bible prophecy tell us Europe will not
allow itself to be rolled over. Russia's audacity will only provoke a
bolder, stronger, more united Europe. Read about this trend, which the
*Trumpet* identified more than two years ago, in our article "Russia
Frightens Europe and Fulfills Bible Prophecy."
(Courtey Trumpet.com) |