Democracy and Secrecy
May 9, 2022
Democracy and Secrecy
Padmini Arhant
The existential and long term threat to democracy is lack of transparency in political systems and governance. The coverups managed in the so-called classified information is the secret capsule that no government prepared to declassify anytime.
Secrecy in governance is deadlier than any deadly pathogen to silence majority and minority in society.
The secret society founded and represented in western Europe with European royalty among other members in politics, tech oligarchs such as tech giant co-founder Microsoft, Google current CEO and others from the economic sector marking their attendance in secret meetings prevalent until now is an overt assault on democracy.
The secret society colluding in secret locations barring public and citizens’ represented investigative press hold discussion on global affairs denying general public access to any information.
The controversial secret society secretive aspect condemned calling for the ban on the activity controlling public policy is not tolerated in the past or present.
The United States former President John F. Kennedy referred to the organization and the idea of secrecy in a democracy repugnant. The public statement from the U.S. President cost his life as an example for any opposition to anti-democratic norm.
The event is a mere tip of the iceberg with the overflow since then flooded into dark, devious and destructive course in modern time.
The western Europe founded and hosted secret society is a paradox to much touted western values in the world rallied to adapt western democracy.
The role of monarchy and royalty in western democracy presiding over public matter as the head of the commonwealth and influencing governmental actions more than a ceremonial figure subjugate democracy. The secret society approval or otherwise of Presidential and Prime Ministerial candidates during or prior to the election is no longer a hidden secret. The ritual came to light inadvertently during the United States Presidential election in 2008. The process is a routine in Britain to seek royal consent.
The heads of the government servile to secret society agenda proven to exclusively benefit them at the expense of the rest of the world are recruited to represent them in systems disguised as democracy. Those who fail to toe the line are promptly eliminated from power.
The presence of secret society and similar undemocratic functionaries wielding power delegitimize republic status. Notwithstanding the promotion of despotism and dictatorial regimes under the guise of democracy installed in power to serve kleptocracy.
The contemporary trend in the world’s largest to ancient and modern democracy alike have little or no tolerance to democratic principles and values. The constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and religious freedom…among plethora of human civil liberties and individual prerogatives are systematically violated.
The censorship and cancel culture are in vogue in the so-called democracy.
Anyone daring status quo in the democratic society are persecuted with imprisonment, character defamation and anonymity. The government in a democracy evades accountability on explosive corruption scandals, dismal performance, economic chaos and overall dysfunctional record.
Accordingly, the following questions arise to clarify on secrecy in a democracy.
What is the need for secret society cloaked in secrecy to engage in policy and decision making on global matter?
The monarchy and royalty in western Europe having abolished kingdoms and fiefdoms in western colonized parts of the world maintaining hegemony in democratic setting is the biggest irony and pose a credibility factor for democracy in Europe.
What is the role of monarchy in a democracy?
What is the reason behind holding republic hostage to hegemonic goals and systemic abuse of power?
The above enunciated status is proudly declared a democracy despite mirroring authoritarian oligarchy system with political impunity on corruption and crimes against the nation, citizens and humanity at large.
Nothing to be concerned about when there is nothing to hide.
Padmini Arhant
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Soul Searching and Healthy Living
May 8, 2022
Soul Searching
and
Healthy Living
Padmini Arhant
There is no effort required in Soul searching. Soul is inner light placed within to dispel darkness in mind and purify thoughts generating good emotions for positive, productive and peaceful existence.
The healthy habits confined to physical body alone are not enough to healthy living. The cleansing of primordial mind and heart is quintessential to sustain healthy survival. The mind cluttered with negativities, malice and harmful notions remain ever disturbed and in eternal turmoil. The heart lacking in genuine empathy, kindness, gratitude, love and sincerity is a train wreck regardless of health protocol concentrated on body mass index (BMI), slim and trim statistics or six pack regimen appropriately. Similarly behavior reflecting character devoid of honesty, integrity and trustworthiness besides evading responsibility for actions or inactions in life are equally important and represent integral part of soul searching.
The compulsive disorders like persistent malignant conduct, malevolence, narcissism, hypocrisy, vendetta, envy, jealousy, misogyny, hatred, prejudice, hubris, lies, deception, deceit, duplicity, abuse, exploitation, violation of rights, life, space, home, privacy via spying, eavesdropping, unlawful surveillance, snooping and propaganda. Not withstanding gender distortion and profile appropriation. The worst amongst all theft of all kinds including ideas, lifestyle and identity and myriad carcinogenic characteristics consume most energy leaving behind a void internally with no prospects for constructive pragmatic evolution.
The denial and dismissal of Soul unheeding inner conscience, the primary witness to all actions, thoughts and feelings set the motion in self-destruction.
Accordingly, beginning with the soul guided mind directing the heart and delivered in deeds would naturally radiate healthy status without having to strive hard for superficial appearance.
Pure mind and heart functions in harmony with inner conscience and clarion call from the Soul within. The care and attention to physical body while neglecting or rejecting contamination of mind and heart corroding with impurities is window dressing a damaged show room.
Soul is the bearer of sins in living and upon ultimate journey from the world with the physical body discarded on earth. Hence the relevance to mind, body and spirit encapsulate the definition of soul searching.
Padmini Arhant
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United States – The Proof Is In The Pudding
May 6, 2022
The Proof Is In The Pudding
Padmini Arhant
Fox News Network and counterpart Sky news Australia engaged as front line news media criticizing the incumbent administration in the White House. The endless mockery, memes, trolls and variety of cynicism is on constant display. However, the mainstream media FOX NEWS in the United States and Sky news Australia down under somehow experiencing selective memory, the common syndrome in politics.
The following post published on this site on March 19, 2021.
Fox News Selective Amnesia
Padmini Arhant
How long is Fox News going to exhibit selective amnesia?
Fox News – the front liner in subverting Presidential election 2020 to favor Beijing controlled White House is now calling out the beneficiary communist regime?
What is the agenda behind this unscrupulous strategy?
Fox News media owner – the Murdoch heirs invested millions of dollars in Beijing run 2020 Presidential campaign.
All of a sudden pretending to be on the other side of the fence having installed Beijing in power.
How long is Fox News planning to mislead and misrepresent self-position?
When in reality, Fox News and counterparts are directly responsible in bringing down United States of America and everything it is pledged to protect freedom, democracy, constitution and sovereignty.
Fox News needs to stop bogus display and cease insulting audience intelligence. That would apply upon anyone still watching the deceptive news network pull the wool over their eyes.
Some things are designed to degenerate and be destructive. The network in this respect is leading the media legion.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
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Fox News network leading the media conglomerate in the 2020 United States Presidential Election by calling the State of Arizona in the democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s favor way earlier handed down the Presidential race to Biden-Harris administration.
In September 2020, the Fox News contributor – the former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich was censored for the guest’s reference to George Soros. The video below confirms the action.
FOX NEWS CENSORSHIP
Fox News network at least acknowledge the irony in the image under.
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Green Grass and Fungus
May 5, 2022
Green Grass
and
Fungus
Padmini Arhant
The luscious green meadows and pastures gracing the valleys with bridal water falls flowing from the rocky mountain top gently bowing to the bright sun and the blue sky above unmistakably a real feast to the eyes for a nature admirer.
The green pasture being one of the fundamental survival source for life thrives in seasonal rainfall. The worms, insects, bees, birds and cattle existence is directly dependent on the fertile grassland with plants, trees and shrubs providing animal kingdom sustenance. The ultimate benefit derived by human kind from the animal and plant species in the agriculture land is invaluable.
The green rice paddy fields, wheat crops, maize and corn before harvest serenading agricultural landscape is nature’s gift to life.
These attributes of nature as life support in the eco system are critical in green environment.
The green ferns, hedges, flora, fauna and foliage in the garden is quite inviting attracting instant attention.
The green grass as cool and soft carpet on the ground is a pleasant aesthetic in natural creation.
The breathtaking savannah with the rolling green hills and cascade falls from the cliff smothered in oceanside cool breeze spreading fragrance of jasmine and gardenia is nature’s picturesque bouquet to the beholder.
Fungus on its part classified as parasitic filamentous organism meaning the organism that feeds on other organic matter qualifying the parasitic nature.
The filamentous in the absence of chlorophyll – the ingredient enabling plants in food preparation aided by sunlight called photosynthesis along with adding green effect to plants extended to life as a major health and food benefit is key element in green plants and vegetation.
Contrarily, the chlorophyl devoid filamentous fungi include molds, rusts, mildews, yeasts, stinkhorns and other mushrooms again varying between wild mushroom that are fairly toxic as well as life threatening and edible variety.
Fungal infections are infectious upon contact with the source and agents carrying the toxin. The fungal ailments are well known in health science and they are addressed appropriately based on the type, symptoms and disease.
The mold and mildew fungi found on wet surfaces and stagnant areas indoor and outdoor are also a common problem.
Clearly the green grass nurture earth with nutrients and nourishment contributing to inhabitants’ healthy living and prosperity.
The green moss in the plains and trees in the forests and orchards maintain positive characteristics of energizing life with necessary resources such as oxygen and food supply to all living beings alike.
Fungi with the exception of some edible mushrooms, the organism feeding on other organic matter as a parasite with significant harmful effects in varying degrees endanger life and surroundings.
The fungus dependency on other organism i.e. parasitic culture leads to depletion of natural ecological reserves. Additionally, the fungi toxicity resulting in fatality identified in certain fungi groups known to be poisonous. The health and economic liability from destruction of crops, livestock, food contamination, disease to animals and humans is endless and catastrophic.
Above all, fungus being humongous parasite is paradox to green grass. The former mostly claiming lives unlike the latter vastly beneficial to life and instrumental in biodiversity of the planet.
Padmini Arhant
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Cloud Nine
May 3, 2022
Cloud Nine
Padmini Arhant
The cloud watchers focused on the cloud in the sky remained fixated with the cloud. Their observation evolved into absorption of the cloud details such as shape, size, appearance, movement etc. In the course of their exhaustive cloud gazing with eyes set on the cloud and nothing else, many tripped with some experiencing fatal outcome having not paid attention to anything ahead, behind or around them.
The mishaps and irreversible misery were inevitable considering the cloud watchers obsession not to miss any particulars on the cloud presence in the sky. More joined the cloud watchers and participated in sharing own interpretation and perception of the cloud though not necessarily in correlation with reality.
The cloud went about nature designed patterns such as the cloud prominence in the sky prior to precipitation into rain and permeate in clear blue sky with bright sun shine. The dynamic rainbow from the cloud decorating the sky highlighting the cloud functions is yet another dimension in nature’s wonder.
What more?
On earth – Cloud computing is an innovative drive revolutionizing modern technology in the information age guided by nature.
Amid cloud natural orientation, the cloud watchers obsession with the cloud transform into desperate fixation completely neglecting priorities in own life.
What next?
The intense cloud watching predictably results in them getting washed away in entirety from heavy thunder storm, hail and lightening.
There goes their life not lived for any useful purpose except wasted in floating on Cloud nine over obsession, fixation leading to self-elimination.
Similar to evaporation of ocean producing condensation of clouds returned to the ocean in rainfall,
What goes around eventually comes around.
Do no harm when no desire to do any good is the essence of nature.
Life is a gift and a blessing. Best not squandered in self-destructive cause and malevolence.
Padmini Arhant
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Life Lessons
May 2, 2022
Life Lessons
Padmini Arhant
No matter whom or what you ignore in life, never ignore these three imperatives in life.
1. Body – Always listen to your body. Your body is the best indicator and reminder of overall well being or otherwise. Ignoring the signals from external and internal body parts all inclusive – more so from the gut, bladder and importantly stomach i.e. the digestive tract would land anyone in big trouble. The gut feeling expression emanating from the gut reaction to anything consumed solid or liquid simply cannot be taken for granted any time around.
2. Conscience – Human mind is wayward. The contemporary settings and events are classic examples in this respect. Accordingly, ignoring inner conscience – the principal guide, mentor and above all key witness to human thoughts and actions triggered by mind is the primary cause of human misery and suffering. The abusive behavior, narcissism, dominance, deceit, deception, lies, betrayal, prejudice, hatred and variety of negativity is a result of human mind rejection of inner conscience.
3. Guilt – Last but not the least – Guilt. None are infallible and neither picture perfect. Never mind the engagement against their target subject to constant mockery, insolence and indignation as they strive and struggle to perform to the gallery. Interestingly, it is done for a living adequately defining them in character, values and aptitude or the lack thereof.
Mud slinging is favorite indulgence disregarding swamp on self in the process. Yet recognition of own mistakes and accepting responsibility for actions and consequences is a tall order for them sworn to denial.
The trait is common among those engaged in violation of others rights and life in perpetuity. Such conduct often prompt them to discard guilt. In doing so, they end up being the prisoner of guilt in living and beyond.
From,
The fearless, bold and razor sharp – Padmini Arhant
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Greetings from Asia
April 30, 2022
Greetings from Asia
Padmini Arhant
The social greetings in Asia connects the people and nations with love and humility. The commonality is expressed in the culture.
Here are few examples of Hello in similar manner. The nations represented here are Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Nepal and Tibet in cultural variety.
Myanmar (Burma) – Min-ga-la-ba shin (Greeting)
Singapore – Tamil Greeting – Vanakkam – வணக்கம் !
Thailand – sawadee kah
Malaysia Tamil – Vanakkam – வணக்கம் !
Malaysia – Malay – ucapan itu
Cambodia Greetings and Etiquettes – Choum reap sor
Indonesia – Javanese – Greeting
Vietnam – lời chào
Laos – Saibaidee – ສະບາຍດີ
Philippines – Kumusta ka
Tibet – Tashi deleg (བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས)
Nepal, Kathmandu – Namaste / Namaskar – नमस्ते / नमस्कार
Padmini Arhant
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Truth and Reality
April 29, 2022
TRUTH
–
The Enemy to
Lies and Deceit
Padmini Arhant
Lately man’s best friend Dog referenced in condescendence is least surprising.
Even though many humans hardly come close to the latter in gratitude, loyalty and above all intelligence, it is interesting to note derisiveness among the former.
The expression is a reflection of individual human trait which place the four legged canine far above them in basic values and gratification.
Notwithstanding, the canine acumen in detecting criminality.
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Truthfulness not tolerated for these reasons.
Published and Presented on November 27, 2009 at 01.56 p.m, PST
A Thanksgiving Message – A Sense of Gratitude
By Padmini Arhant
Message to President Barack Obama
Hon. President Barack Obama
Dear Mr. President,
After careful consideration, I would like to convey the withdrawal of my support to your administration based on your recent policy decisions on many issues.
I am not a politician. Although I’m privileged to have lived in different democratic countries and had many opportunities to participate in politics, I didn’t have any affinity for it mainly because:
The political environment is often dominant with staying in power that provides the means to fame and fortune rather than sincere dedication to serve the people by taking political risks against the will of the establishments controlling the government in the systems disguised as democracy.
As stated earlier to you and the American public, I had a formal invitation from the former President George W. Bush and the office of the Vice President Dick Cheney to join their team to promote their agendas. Being guided by my strong principles and convictions with respect to peace, non-violence, fairness, freedom and equal opportunities for all human beings, I declined their offer as the past administration’s ideology was not only in contrast to my belief but also proved detrimental to any kind of progress.
Besides, as expected in politics, I cannot be a Cheerleader of hawkish policies for political correctness and vehemently opposed to being an attack dog for the powerful.
Your candidacy in the 2008 Presidential campaign with the hope and change message indicated that hope could become a reality through positive change in Washington. Accordingly, I got involved voluntarily in the beginning and mandatorily later on to support your campaign, despite several requests and overtures from your democratic and republican opponents to rally behind them.
In response to the wild rumors and assertions about my alleged financial gain then, during your political campaign or for that matter now, I wish to set the record straight for the skeptics and the critics. I was never paid a dime in any form or method throughout the campaign up until now.
Conversely, as you well know that I have been contributing through donations to your campaign and the Democratic Party all along, while trying to maintain my livelihood on a modest income.
Meanwhile, there have been attacks, innuendoes and insinuations against me more so from the feminist liberal columnist representing the New England daily failing to meet the journalistic standard of remanding the elitist women with political clout and capital to tasks on important issues like foreign policy and health care reform in the public arena.
Unlike the various administrative appointments that have taken place through political bargaining and deal exchange, I continued my unconditional free service during the campaign and after the commencement of your administration until date regardless of the experience qualifying the expression being thrown under the bus on many occasions not to mention the sleep deprivation with maximum three hours sleep in the past two years.
In terms of plain gratitude from the beneficiary of the historic Presidency, I had the honor of receiving DR. King’s sermon that could be perceived in many different ways depending on the deliverer’s intentions implied in the message.
“If you want to be important — wonderful. If you want to be recognized — wonderful. If you want to be great — wonderful. But, recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness.”
In my view, DR. King is the inspirational force who compelled the disheartened spirits to submit themselves to achieving greatness through service to humanity and strive hard to transform the status quo.
Alternatively, in a spiritual sense the interpretation of ‘the greatest among you’ leads to the only entity Almighty God and his love amply reflected in the creations, the indomitable service to mankind.
Nevertheless, I’ll continue to exercise my right guaranteed to me in the first amendment and remain steadfast with my commitment to the highest commandment (none other than the one and only Almighty God) to promote TRUTH and reality.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Padmini Arhant
Market Economy v. Monopoly Economy
April 25, 2022
Market Economy
v.
Monopoly Economy
Padmini Arhant
Prior to discussion on market economy and monopoly economy, it is important to shed light on creation v. acquisition. There is no comparison between creation and acquisition. In simple translation both terms are self-explanatory.
Creation involves ingenuity, authenticity and original concept. Acquisition on the other hand is acquiring the created product for refurbishment and renovation with or without any appreciative value.
In the so-called capitalism, the corporate takeovers, mergers and acquisitions transitioned from competitive market economy into monopolistic trade slighting anti-trust laws has drastically changed the definition and relevance of free and fair competition, the highlight of market economy.
The economy increasingly in the hands of few selective billionaires wiping competitiveness and entrepreneurial niche across the spectrum is deceptively heralded as free market economy.
The trend contrarily affecting end-consumers with monopolistic trade practice and corporate policy hurting average consumers in pricing, quality and general benefits cannot be under estimated at any given time. From administration to marketing and management, the rules are set up and designed for exclusive corporate gains at the helm.
As a result, the deviation from profit sharing trickling down to the bottom in work force increasing. consumer affordability to top tier shareholders is the norm. The average household income in these settings are either below marginal level or negative considering inflation and consumer price index ratio.
Income inequality combined with inflation in the competition deprived monopolistic economy is carcinogenic for capitalist market economy.
Acquisitions and mergers masquerade inherent problems and deficiencies in major corporate undertaking with over valued stock of primary venture facilitating cash liquidity. Besides, distracted and disproportionate focus with too many different sectors in monopolistic control yield lack luster i.e. under performing outcome.
The competition thwarted from economy with few billions to spare in hostile buyout deals is neither healthy nor viable in economic, ethical and innovative sense.
Not to mention, the corporate influence in politics and governance via direct campaign financing and lobbying for fiduciary interests leaving voters mere rubber stamp depicted as political mandate. The end game distort democratic system to entirely benefit the bidders and investors with no contentment or containment in the exclusive fortune inheritance.
The competitive eclectic market economy providing options and flexibility in ultimate consumer oriented domain is unfortunately replaced with privileged monopolistic elite dominance – the axis in widening the gap between haves and have-nots misrepresented as efficient economic force.
Again efficiency is anybody’s guess in selective individual growth or collective decline in economy and politics validated by monetary endowments.
Padmini Arhant
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Russia – Western Edifice
April 20, 2022
Russia – Western Edifice
Padmini Arhant
The recent exit of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan was largely associated by the subject as western conspiracy behind his incomplete term in office, though the development is not unique in Pakistan’s politics.
The outgoing Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan also publicly stated during the rally and address to his nation that the former administration was chided by western represented emissary viz. EU and the United States for the ex- Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow at the onset of Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The former Prime Minister Imran Khan drew parallel in this context by citing the next door neighbor and adversary India’s relation with Russia. The former Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that economic ties between India and Russia in energy and defense procurement continued slighting western sanctions against Russia.
The former Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed disappointment and noted western discriminatory practice against his administration in particular reference to the Moscow trip on the eve of Russian invasion of Ukraine which the ex-Prime Minister and his former cabinet colleagues like the ex-foreign minister Shah Mahmood Quereshi said was pre-arranged diplomatic tour long before the Ukraine war.
All said and done – here are the glaring dichotomy in the entire international foreign policy.
First of all, the former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s anti-western anguish doesn’t quite fit into the backdrop of the cricket sports star who has been promoted with extravagant publicity from the United States ally Britain with enthusiastic support from Israel.
The cricket sportsman turned politician Imran khan has overwhelmingly enjoyed special favorable coverage from London all along with national media like BBC including Fleet Street fawning over the cricketer never having enough of Mr. Khan’s profile extending beyond the running commentary of first class cricket test match and international series. Although the cricketer Imran Khan led the Pakistan cricket team as the captain and not England with the latter even defeated in the final world cup tournament in 1992 at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia with Pakistan winning the world cup that year.
As for Israel’s affinity towards Mr. Imran Khan, the sentiment is largely related to Mr.Khan’s former wife Jemima Goldsmith, the British citizen of Jewish descent and wealthy background.
The anti-west turn around from the former Prime Minister Imran Khan prior to political turmoil was conspicuously to appease China. Pakistan’s largest creditor and investor China, especially in the complex CPEC – China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Pakistan’s gwadar port is ongoing strenuous undertaking.
On the other hand, Pakistan and Russia relations basically developed following United States and NATO failure in neighboring Afghanistan which in fact is interesting considering Pakistan’s close ties with United States in the aftermath of former Soviet Union’s defeat in Afghanistan earlier. The partners were reversed as situation changed in the two Islamic states.
Russia and Pakistan conducted first joint military exercise in 2016 much to New Delhi’s angst and concern. The relation between the two countries further advanced into arms sales and military training of Pakistan soldiers by Russia in August 2018 and later in 2020 which happens to be during former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s term in office.
It is fair to say Russian defense strategy in the Indian sub-continent pivoted towards Pakistan as Moscow noted New Delhi drawn closer towards United States mostly to attract India with defense procurement from the U.S. despite India until now remains the largest buyer of defense hardware from Russia.
There is a shift in partnering in the Indian sub-continent with Moscow wooing Islamabad to convey New Delhi on Moscow’s discomfort regarding India’s intimacy with the United States in defense as well as other strategic alliance such as Quad in the Indo-Pacific.
While this is going on in South Asia, the European and Russian relation beckons focus.
The Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer visit to Russia on April 12, 2022 after direct meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin were described by Russian academia and scholars as follows.
“The Austrians stick to more balanced approaches than even the Germans, claiming the role of a global mediator and a negotiating platform. This is why, despite being an EU member, they refused to provide weapons to Ukraine,” Associate Professor with the Department of International Relations, Political Science and Foreign Area Studies at the Russian State University for the Humanities Vadim Trukhachev stated.”
“Austria opposes an oil and gas embargo on Moscow. Vienna depends a lot on Russia in terms of energy. Austria used to be a big advocate of Nord Stream 2. And now, they keep stressing that although they support EU sanctions, their national interests should not suffer. Those interests particularly include Russian gas supplies,” Vladimir Schweitzer, Head of the Department for Social and Political Studies at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Europe noted.”
The major economic power in EU – Germany signed contract with Russia for gas pipeline Nord Stream 1 in 2011 and Nord Steam 2 pipeline back in 2012 during the former German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s term in office.
The five large stake holders in the Nord Stream energy pipeline project are – “Shareholders of the company are the Russian gas company Gazprom (51% of shares), German companies Wintershall Dea and PEG Infrastruktur AG (E. ON) (both 15.5%), the Dutch gas company Gasunie (9%), and the French gas company Engie (9%).
OMV, about 32% of which is owned by the Austrian state, has put around 730 million euros ($813.95 million) into Nord Stream 2. The other financial investors in Nord Stream 2 are Shell (SHEL. L), France’s Engie and Germany’s Uniper (UN01.DE) and Wintershall DEA (WINT. UL)” Feb 27, 2022.
According to International Energy Agency – IEA .org
“In 2021, the European Union imported 155 billion cubic metres of natural gas from Russia, accounting for around 45% of EU gas imports and close to 40% of its total gas consumption. Nobody is under any illusions anymore. Russia’s use of its natural gas resources as an economic and political weapon show Europe needs to act quickly…said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.” – IEA Press Release – March 3, 2022.”
International news agency : “The Hungarian government opposes a ban on Russian energy supplies and will continue to defend its position at meetings of the European Union, the country’s Foreign Ministry, Peter Szijjarto said on Monday. He was taking part in a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg.”
It is abundantly clear from the international reports and western European energy companies stakes in Russian energy production – Nord stream 1 & 2 pipeline projects, the energy inter-dependency between Russia and EU as supplier and consumer respectively continued till date amid ongoing war in Ukraine with EU members like Austria and NATO ally Hungary defending their stance on anti-sanctions against Russian oil & energy.
Juxtaposed Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s similar position on the Moscow trip and energy deals with Moscow emphasized in Pakistan’s national interest unfortunately resulted in the Pakistan former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ouster from power.
The ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ties with Moscow synonymous to EU counterparts like Austria, Germany, Hungary and others in Western as well as eastern Europe were treated differently causing political change in the islamic state in South Asia.
Yet another contradiction among EU members is while they remain Russian energy importers quoting national requirement, their supply of arms to Ukraine from some EU states is quoted as aiding Ukraine to defend democracy. Notwithstanding they are financing Russian invasion of Ukraine via energy consumption.
Russia on its part positioned as anti-west and anti-NATO apparently has no problem in supplying energy products to any and all of them maintaining cash flow from economic activities with them amidst bombing and shelling Ukraine for over two months now.
In effect, both EU and Russia fearing security threats from each other in the region fail to realize their symmetrical role in the energy deals contributing to Russian financial resources on the one side and Russia enabling NATO military capability with Russian exported energy on the other end. There is no recognition from either in terms of self-generated security reality.
Ukraine in the middle of this predicament expected to be neutral, bare arms and bear the brunt of nuclear Russia and EU convenient economic policy.
In the whole gamut, the Ukrainian civilians are paying the price with their lives and property destroyed in Russian heavy artillery hitting every possible standing structure in Ukrainian cities and coastal towns of the once beautiful country.
Meanwhile, the western edifice is justified as necessity prioritizing economic interests over own security considering the spill over effects already experienced with Ukrainian refugees forced to flee their homeland to neighboring Poland, Hungary and Moldova…
Above all the possibility of prolonged war in Ukraine becoming the protracted battle across Europe cannot be ruled out with the status quo.
Unwise to fuel the fire for it might sooner than later engulf the entire zone.
Had EU then respected Ukraine’s economic relations with Russia in 2014 and refrained from cooperation with United States violent insurrection overthrowing Ukraine’s democratically elected incumbent government of President Viktor Yanukovich in 2014 over Kiev and Moscow economic treaty, the situation could have been economically beneficial and politically peaceful for Ukraine and eastern Europe unlike the present time.
Not to mention, the western dogma – what is good for the goose not appropriate for the gander.
Padmini Arhant
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