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why are the egyptian authorities so mean to gazan palestinians and anybody who would want to lend them aid? could the underwater gas pipeline from Egypt to Israel factor in?
more Merdav/Ampal/Maiman
http://www.allbusiness.com/services/business-services/3964948-1.html »
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PollCan Maduro get a fair trial from Alvin Hellerstein? Of course, Judge Hellerstein is a jurist with integrity. 0% No, Judge Hellerstein works on behalf of the Zionist deep state. 0% Whether he does or not is irrelevant, Maduro is part of the op. 0% He will be bribed into pleading guilty to something minor. 100% Other (specify in comments.) 0% Total votes: 1
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That and the fact that next
That and the fact that next to Israel Egypt gets more foreign aid from the US than any other nation(im fairly sure anyway). Egypt is such a puppet nation.
and they have the most truthers per capita of any nation!
They know they have a puppet regime there, and the leaders don't have enough oil to keep the people lazy and unconcerned about anything but Allah...
I cant tell you how many
I cant tell you how many times ive gotten into arguments with Israel sympathizers who end up spewing the "Why doesnt Egypt help the Palestinians? Why do they close their borders?" talking point. Puppet regimes do as they are told. The egyptian leadership knows were the money comes from.
another pipeline story... so hard to keep track!
THE WISDOM FUND
http://www.twf.org
----------------------------------------------------------
9/11 And Its Impact On Muslims
Talk by Enver Masud, Founder TWF.org
July 21, 7:00 PM at the Adel, Iowa Library
----------------------------------------------------------
July 15, 2009
Asia Times Online
Pipeline deal is sweet music for Iran
By M K Bhadrakumar
[Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar was a career diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service. His assignments included the Soviet Union, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Germany, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kuwait and Turkey.]
Moscow often poured scorn on the Nabucco project's dim prospects by drawing apt allusions from Verdi's opera. In the latest parody, an expert commentator in Moscow ridiculed that the "chaotic chanting" by Europeans in support of the project reminded him of the haunting chorus of Hebrew slaves from Verdi's opera - "beautiful, yet altogether gloomy and hopeless".
But he was mistaken, as on Monday a galaxy of European statesmen gathered under chandeliers in the banquet hall of the newly built Rixos Hotel in Ankara, Turkey, to sign an inter-governmental agreement formally launching the Nabucco project. United States President Barack Obama's special envoy on Eurasian energy issues, Richard Morningstar, was in attendance at the ceremony, affirming in unmistakable terms that Nabucco is every bit an American political venture.
With the Nabucco project finally taking off, Russia has suffered a huge setback in the geopolitics of energy in Eurasia. For the second time in a decade, Morningstar has outwitted the Kremlin. In 1999, he got the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project going through an inter-governmental agreement at a gala ceremony in Istanbul, despite similar Russian foreboding and prophecies that it was unviable and doomed to perish.
Turkey, Austria, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary signed the document on Nabucco. The project, estimated at US$11 billion, will initially transport Central Asian gas by a new pipeline bypassing Russia, via Turkey to Austria and Germany through Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary.
The 3,300-kilometer pipeline, with four entry points into Turkey, will ultimately source from diverse places such as Egypt, Iraq, Iran and Turkmenistan and be able to pump 31 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year, or roughly 5% to 10% of the total gas consumption in the European Union (EU) by 2020. Then, there are plans for Nabucco II and a Nabucco III in the fullness of time, as Europe's needs increase. Construction work is scheduled to commence in 2010 and the pipeline will be fully operational by 2014. Two-thirds of the pipeline will pass through Turkey.
Nabucco's viability critically depends on gas supplies from Turkmenistan and Iran. Therefore, it is more than a coincidence that the Turkmen Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that Ashgabat had agreed to increase its sales of gas to Iran to 14 bcm annually from the current 8 bcm. The Turkmen statement said a new pipeline was being laid from the Doulatabad gas fields to the Iranian border by the end of the year and that the "two sides also discussed the possibilities of further increasing supplies ... to 20 bcm". President Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov earlier said on Friday in Ashgabat that Turkmenistan hoped to supply gas to Nabucco.
Clearly, Iran is gearing up as the transit corridor for Turkmen gas that will go into Nabucco. Iran has a swap arrangement with Turkmenistan. Moscow had calculated that Nabucco wouldn't materialize since it would entail the construction of a pipeline from Turkmenistan along the bottom of the Caspian Sea, which, as a littoral state, it could easily veto in alliance with Iran.
Evidently, Turkmenistan and Tehran have another idea: transport Turkmen gas to Europe via existing Iranian pipelines to Turkey. No doubt, Tehran has decided that come what may, Nabucco offers a fantastic means of entering into a strategic partnership with Europe in a near-term scenario.
As United States-Iran engagement draws closer, it is no longer an issue of "whether" or "if", but of "when" it is that European companies can tap Iran's massive gas reserves. The current US position is that it will not support Iran's involvement in Nabucco until Tehran "changes its policies". Last month, Morningstar said Iran could only join Nabucco after the normalization of ties between Washington and Tehran.
On Thursday, while speaking to the media in Ankara, he merely said inviting Iran to the project without a resolution of the nuclear standoff "could have a negative effect". But Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz swiftly clarified, "We can also easily see Iran in this project as a supplier in the future." (Iran has drawn several rounds of United Nations sanctions over its nuclear program, which it insists is for civilian purposes - others, notably the US, claim Tehran is developing a nuclear weapon.)
Yildiz pointed out that energy projects "may help improve the international environment". He added that "some European countries have already signed initial agreements with Iran" - though he wouldn't disclose their names.
All in all, Russia suffers a setback from several angles. Europe making headway in diversifying its energy supplies in any significant measure means reducing its dependence on Russian gas. Europe's success, therefore, becomes Russia's loss, which is why the latter keenly promotes the South Stream project as a rival to Nabucco. Secondly, Moscow assiduously wooed Balkan and Central European countries to opt for South Stream instead of Nabucco, which it has constantly derided as a hare-brained idea that made no economic sense. Thus, the participation by these countries in Nabucco signifies a signal success of US diplomacy in rallying the "New Europeans".
Third, Turkmenistan is definitely decamping from Russia's orbit and getting close to the US. This completely transforms the Caspian energy sweepstakes. With a dwindling Russian surplus of gas for export to the European market, state-run Russian giant Gazprom has depended heavily on Turkmen gas. Turkmenistan currently produces about 80 bcm annually, out of which about 50 bcm was sold to Russia in recent years. However, supplies to Russia have been almost entirely cut off since an explosion in April on the Soviet-era Central Asia-Center pipeline, which transports Turkmen gas to Russia.
Meanwhile, Turkmenistan has agreed to increase its contracted gas supplies to China to 40 bcm via a pipeline nearing completion by end-2009. In addition to that, Turkmenistan has agreed to step up its gas supplies to Iran and is now hoping to supply Nabucco.
Turkmenistan clearly intends to cut back its dependence on Russia for marketing its gas and is instead tying up alternate arrangements to access the world market. The Turkmen stratagem could have a domino effect on other Central Asian energy producers. Such a trend could only lead to an overall weakening of Russian influence in Central Asia and put strains on the overall Moscow-led regional integration processes.
Ashgabat's "defection" holds other implications. Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov undertook a high-profile visit to Washington in June. Soon after, reports began appearing that Turkmenistan aspired to becoming a transport hub for US supplies going to Afghanistan. The Pentagon confirmed that a small contingent of US military personnel presently operated in Ashgabat for servicing American aircraft that landed and refueled in the Turkmen capital. Ashgabat may allow a transit route by road or rail for the US to ferry supplies to Afghanistan, thus bypassing the "Russian route". Washington has included Turkmenistan lately in the list of countries from where it intends to procure goods and services for Afghanistan.
From Moscow's perspective, it is equally worrisome that Turkey and Iran have identified with Nabucco. Moscow did everything it could to attract Turkey with counter-offers, such as a lucrative role in the South Stream project. True to form, Turkey showed acute bazaar instincts and finally cut a handsome deal by playing Russia against the EU. Turkey will earn a handsome amount out of Nabucco - US$63 million in transit fees annually and "up to 50% of the total gas set aside in a pool" which can be purchased at a discount.
Turkey is surely playing a high-stakes game and is fast becoming an energy hub for Europe. The EU is one of the world's largest markets, with an estimated added requirement of 200 bcm by 2030 in addition to its current annual consumption of 600 bcm. Turkey is the ideal transit country to carry non-Russian gas - from Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan or Kazakhstan - to Europe.
On the one hand, Ankara anchors itself to the EU. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, "Even if you make an assessment only from the perspective of energy, it is clear that Turkey should be a member of the EU." But this may be a false hope. As recently as May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, "We cannot take everyone in Europe as a full member ... our [EU] common position is: a privileged partnership for Turkey, but no full membership." French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was present at the occasion, promptly added, "When Angela Merkel says Europe must have borders, she is right - because a Europe without borders would be a Europe without a will, without identity, without values."
Sarkozy subsequently turned the knife in an interview with Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper, saying. "Let us stop making vain promises to Turkey." Ankara is aware of these harsh realities, but for the moment, Nabucco imparts an exhilarating feeling that Turkey has almost become a part of Europe.
On the other hand, Turkey hopes that Nabucco catapults it into a leadership role in integrating the Caucasus and Central Asia into the Western economy. The US has been actively encouraging Turkey to assume such a role. This was a talking point for Obama when he visited Turkey in April. Ankara perceives that the Obama administration is much more focused on Central Asia than the George W Bush era was and that US diplomacy is stepping up efforts to balance the clout of China and Russia in the region.
Turkey is indeed bidding to become a regional actor in Central Asia. Erdogan's rhetoric regarding unrest in China's Xinjiang region between Uighurs and Han Chinese was partly at least intended to project Ankara's self-styled "Turkic" profile into Central Asia. Turkey usually fights shy of articulating on political separatism or ethnicity. Erdogan said that genocide was being committed in Xinjiang, where recent rioting left at least 184 people dead. The toll included 46 Uighurs, a Turkic people who are mostly Muslim and share linguistic and cultural bonds with Central Asia.
Again, Turkey has become active in stabilizing Afghanistan. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited Afghanistan and Pakistan in early June. Turkey has participated in three "trilateral summits" with Pakistan and Afghanistan in the recent period. Meanwhile, Turkey is doubling its troop deployment in Afghanistan to a force level of 1,600 and will head the International Security Assistance Force in November. Turkey also plans to convene a summit of Afghanistan's neighboring countries. Curiously, Ankara is betting on President Hamid Karzai's victory in Afghan elections scheduled for August 20, after having lined up the backing of its proxy, Rashid Dostum, for the Afghan president's candidacy.
In the final analysis, however, it is not Turkish pretensions as a regional power or the Turkmen snub to Moscow that arrests attention. More than anything, it is Iran's likely participation in Nabucco that will be keenly watched in the weeks and months to come. Russia's best hope has been that Iran stays away from the European gas market and instead concentrates on the Asian market in countries such as India and China. But the contrary is happening - Iran is seeking out both the Asian and European markets.
An Iranian hand in reducing Europe's energy dependence on Russia, thanks to a project which is a blatant American political venture - this was the last thing that Russia would have liked to see happen. But it seems to be happening.
Verdi once remarked, "This is the opera with which my artistic career really begins. And though I had many difficulties to fight against it, it is certain that Nabucco was born under a lucky star." Tehran will happily agree - especially as it is a Morningstar.
MORE at http://www.twf.org/News/Y2009/0401-Iran.html
---
In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.
FREE, 3rd ed, "THE WAR ON ISLAM" -- click on book's picture at
http://www.twf.org/Library/WaronIslam.html
"9/11 UNVEILED" by Enver Masud, Founder, The Wisdom F
http://www.twf.org/Library/911Unveiled.html
Turkmenistan's pipeline projects
http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3870.aspx
Turkmenistan’s pipeline prospects: China, Russia, India, or Europe?
11 August 2008
As the great powers seek energy security, Turkmenistan is at the center of a number of pipeline proposals.
After years of isolation, Turkmenistan has been host to hundreds of official delegations from the world’s great powers, as Europe, Russia, China, and India pursue energy security with an eye toward the country's gas deposits. President Berdymukhamedov has forsaken at least some of his predecessor’s inward focus, in favor of a “multi-vector” natural resource strategy. The strategy relies on multiple hydrocarbon export routes, and the various gas importers each have a route in mind. Key pipeline proposals include the Caspian coastal pipeline, the Central Asia-China pipeline, the TAPI and IPI pipelines, and the Nabucco and Trans-Caspian pipelines.
Central asia-china pipeline
Only the Central Asia-China project has broken ground; construction began in the summer of 2008. The 1,818 km, $30 billion pipeline is intended to export 30 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan into Xinjiang, China. The pipeline would connect with the West-to-East natural gas pipeline and extend into Shanghai. The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is requesting a $2.5 billion loan from the China Development Bank to fund construction for the segment in Uzbekistan. This pipeline deal, like others in the region, challenges western predominance in the energy market.
pre-caspian pipeline
Russia’s hopes lie with the pre-Caspian, or Caspian coastal, pipeline, which would carry 30 bcm of gas from Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to Russia. Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to the project in July 2008, following an inter-governmental agreement at the end of 2007 and decisions by Russia to increase its purchase price for Turkmen gas. Construction is projected to begin in 2009 in Kazakhstan and 2010 in Turkmenistan.
tapi and ipi pipelines
India’s interests would best be served by the TAPI and IPI pipelines. The Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI), or Peace, pipeline is in the negotiation stage. The proposed project would span 1,700 km for a cost of $7.4 billion, double the initial estimates. Besides the increase in price, disagreements over gas transit fees and U.S. opposition could stifle implementation.
The U.S. prefers the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI), or Trans-Afghan, pipeline, which would exclude Iran, and provide a similar $7.6 billion, 1,680 km route. India has quoted over $200 for Turkmen gas, competing with Russia's Gazprom’s hikes. In July 2008, Turkmenistan reaffirmed its commitment to TAPI, and a meeting in India is likely in October. However, the project has been pending for more than 10 years. At present, insecurity in Afghanistan is a major concern. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has conducted feasibility studies and provided technical assistance for the project in the past. Any progress in the pipeline would likely involve ADB assistance as well.
nabucco and trans-caspian pipelines
U.S. opposition to IPI is mirrored by Russian antagonism toward Nabucco. Although divisions over energy security exist, the European Union has made clear its interest in Nabucco and a trans-Caspian pipeline. In many ways, the two projects – Nabucco and trans-Caspian – are interlinked. June delegations to Turkmenistan led to a commitment for 10 bcm of Turkmen gas to be sent to Europe in 2009 and discussions of an impact assessment for a trans-Caspian pipeline. The trans-Caspian route would likely connect Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan, allowing Turkmen gas to be sent via the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP) from Baku to Erzurum, Turkey, where it would then be carried by Nabucco to Austria. The route would bypass both Russia and Iran. Major obstacles to the project include Russia, which remains more closely connected to Turkmenistan than Europe, and feasibility, since a trans-Caspian route would require considerable technical input.
concerns
A main concern in all these projects is the potential lack of accountability for Turkmenistan. Russia and China are unlikely to question Turkmenistan’s human rights offenses or exert reform pressures. Unconditional investment may appeal to free market economics, but support for an authoritarian regime, particularly one able to rely on resource rents, has its risks, both economically and politically. Even Europe may be tempted to turn a blind eye to conditions in the country for the sake of Nabucco. The European Investment Bank (EIB), barring a surprise rejection by the EU Parliament in September, is set to extend its operations into Central Asia with an explicit focus on energy transportation projects. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has prohibitions on countries with poor human rights records, but the EIB seems prepared to forego those considerations for the sake of European energy interests.
Besides these socio-political concerns, the pipelines pose significant risks to the environment and local communities. The problems documented from the South Caucasus and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipelines reveal the challenges ahead, should these new pipeline projects move forward. Of particular concern are the lack of environmental and social safeguards offered by Russia and China and the potential for Europe to lower its standards through EIB financing, given the competitiveness of the market.
Finally, these grandiose pipeline plans could unravel if Turkmenistan’s gas reserves prove less than expected. According to Richard Pomfret,* a scholar specializing in Central Asian economies, Turkmenistan would have to double its exports over the next 15 years to meet its natural gas commitments based on these pipeline plans. Thus, the greatest question is whether Turkmenistan can indeed deliver on its promises. This is particularly relevant for Europe and India, since, for now at least, the TAPI, IPI, Nabucco, and Trans-Caspian pipelines appear near the end of the line for Turkmen gas. China and Russia have used their position in the neighborhood and their best negotiation tactics to take the lead.
*Richard Pomfret, “Turkmenistan after Turkmenbashi” (presentation), Johns Hopkins University, July 16, 2008
Sources
CNPC seeks loans to fund Central Asia-China gas pipeline construction, Xinhua, July 24, 2008 (China Daily website)
EIB expands its operations to Central Asia (BIC website)
Gazprom agrees on pricing for Turkmen gas deliveries, by Lucian Kim, July 25, 2008 (Bloomberg website)
India to host next TAPI meeting in October, Zee News, July 3, 2008 (Zee News website)
India quotes higher price for Turkmen gas, The Economic Times, July 2, 2008 (Economic Times website)
Gas pipeline gigantism, by Robert Cutler, July 17, 2008 (Asia Times Online website)
Technical Assistance for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Natural Gas Pipeline Phase II, ADB, December 2003 (ADB website, Acrobat pdf)
Technical Assistance for the feasibility studies of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Natural Gas Pipeline Project, ADB, December 2002 (ADB website, Acrobat pdf)
Resources
BIC’s Europe and Central Asia page
Counter Balance website (monitors the EIB)
Asia Regional Integration Center (ADB website)
Additional Sources
See also
Azerbaijan Europe/Central Asia Georgia Kazakhstan Russia Asian Development Bank European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Energy & Extractive
And Again, can't help but wonder what part
Mr. Maiman plays in all of this...buddy of let's-get-Russia Brzezinski, who also serves on the board of:
http://www.usmep.us/usmep/international-board/yosef-a-maiman/
for which Lee Hamilton and ex-Mossad Chief Efraim Halevi...
...serve as senior advisers. Hmmmmm...
thanks for
bringing this to our attention Kate. It's good to know that Palestinians have a resource that can lift them out of poverty if only they are not illegaly prevented to do so by Israel.