Seems to me that in this age of economic warfare, Russia has the upper hand with their oil supply.

That wussy Miliband may talk tough, but what can he actually do? He cannot bomb Russia, neither can he afford to enact sanctions.

well being a bit of a conspiracy theorist my opinion is that such an act would help further along the planned economic collapse of the US. Especially in conjunction with any sanctions the west decides to instigate against Russia.
That's my short and sweet 2 cents anyway...

Funny how it all comes back to oil

I agree with Harlequin, the future wars will all have economy as a basis point for the cous de'gra

Wars happen, people die, economies suffer substantially.

These are absolutes. A smart adversary would look at the long term effects and what can be gained. With the current economical situations, its giving a good indication of how the ball bounces.

(no edit, because spell check can't identify 'cous de gras' and I am having an absence of brain activity)

how many other countries will suffer because the US feels the need to butt in where its not wanted. we already pay $1.50 a ltr in aus, while the yanks pay $3 per gallon. we are the ones copping the raw end for there bully tactics.

Originally posted by Supe04we already pay $1.50 a ltr in aus, while the yanks pay $3 per gallon. we are the ones copping the raw end for there bully tactics.

Maybe its time for Australians to become independent and find their own energy source -
Its not out of the question you know.

After all why depend on other nations for your needs.
You are owned by those you depend on... think about it.

Peace

dAlen

Found this aricle from years ago

Bees around the Caspian honeypot

One of the most geostrategically critical areas on the Eurasian landmass is the Caspian Sea region, consisting of the sea itself and parts of several countries that make up its shores: Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkmenistan.

The region is home to some of the largest, untapped hydrocarbon reserves in the world. The US Department of Energy estimates that the region has between 17 billion and 33 billion barrels of proven oil reserves and 232 trillion cubic feet (tcf)of natural gas; potential reserves are estimated near 200 billion barrels for oil and almost 350 tcf for natural gas.

Many Western companies are also involved in investment in Kazakhstan, including ChevronTexaco Corp, Royal Dutch/Shell Group and Total (formally TotalFinaElf).

Also found this
US Vice-President to visit Azerbaijan in September

Dick Cheney will visit Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine and Italy, and discuss issues of mutual interest US Vice-President Dick Cheney will start visit to several foreign countries on September 2.

'economic attack', that's just new spin
the tactic is a very old one... it is called laying seige...


food, grain, meat, all were denied to a castle under seige,
or to a city-state in antiquity.
the present geo-political world now uses denial of fuel/resources as a leverage tool
(also remember several the Embargos during the cold-war)



one could arguably try to say the Russian action is an Act of War,
lets see if those NATO countries attempt that spin.
Of course Russia can explain that the pipeline was shut down for undisclosed physical 'problems' and not for political reasons.



i reckon this is one reason why the USA and a few other countries
have set up ~strategic oil reserves~ so their military can be self reliant
...& some of their economy might continue to function, even in the face of a energy embargo

thanks

Originally posted by dAlen

Originally posted by Supe04we already pay $1.50 a ltr in aus, while the yanks pay $3 per gallon. we are the ones copping the raw end for there bully tactics.

Maybe its time for Australians to become independent and find their own energy source -
Its not out of the question you know.

After all why depend on other nations for your needs.
You are owned by those you depend on... think about it.

Peace

dAlen

We have plenty of suplies and can sustain ourselves for many years to come. you are right. It is about time we cut ties and name our own price.
I know we agreed many years ago to base our prices on OPEC prices, but why do the Arab get away with selling oil to thier own people for bugger all per litre?


EDIT: Oops I got carried away. I will now step down from the soap box...
To the topic at hand, Russia has threatened this before and everybody concerned backed down. I feel they make these threats from time to time (Just like the recent Georgia incident) to put the world back in thier place and to remind them that the bear does have teeth and claws

[edit on 29/8/2008 by VIKINGANT]