Title: Churchill's definition of Russia still rings true - The New York Times
Headings: Churchill's definition of Russia still rings true
Churchill's definition of Russia still rings true
Content: But the power these days lies in pipelines, not warheads. Russia provides an increasingly significant proportion of Europe's natural gas supplies and controls the pipeline network that distributes it. Europe is the prime market for Russia's gas, a font not only of burgeoning revenue but also of vital technology and investment to broaden and develop Russia's economy. That should give the West some leverage: by instilling trepidation among potential western partners, Moscow jeopardizes its access to the West's technology. Yet, European divisions over dealings with Moscow leave the West vulnerable to the Kremlin's manipulation. Tony Hayward, the chief executive of BP, was asked the other day what suggestions he would offer to companies planning to do business in Russia. "My advice," he said, "would be: tread with caution." Advertisement
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