'Accidental war' waiting to happen on EU periphery

[James1:12]

http://euobserver.com/13/116244

Open conflict used to be unlikely because neither side could win. But petro-rich Azerbaijan has altered the balance of power. According to the Stockholm-based research institute, Sipri, it spent $11 billion on weapons in the past five years compared to less than $2 billion by Armenia.

Its latest purchase - $1.6 billion of high-tech drones and missiles from Israel - could be decisive if Israel also builds a joint training and maintenance facility

In terms of direct threats to EU interests, it would increase oil prices by destroying the BTC pipeline from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean. It would also halt EU plans to reduce energy dependence on Russia by building a gas pipeline through the region.

Meanwhile, Russia - which has 5,000 soldiers at its base in Gyumri, Armenia - is obliged to intervene under the terms of the Nato-type Collective Security Treaty Organisation. The US has 300 diplomats and thousands of Armenian-American passport holders in Yerevan at any given time.

[Exit40]

Hi James 1:12. The Turks and Azeris are building a joint pipeline through Turkey to the Med right now, as the security of EU energy from the region. Turkey has a pipeline to Iran, and I believe they are working on one to Iraq also, all part of their plans to become an energy hub to the west. They have facilities also on the Med for exporting this energy but they are not bug enough to handle the extra they are planning for, so as part of the Azeri deal they are upgrading. Over there they don't have the restrictions like we do in the US. Their problems are geopolitical. Turkey has been a major contributor to the solving of the problems of getting these pipelines in.

God Bless You

David

[James1:12]

Thanks Exit 40 I have been watching news from time to time on the Nebuchadnezzar pipeline which is he one I believe you are referring to. The Caucuses are so volatile and with Azerbaijan flaunting its oil wealth and aligning with Israel things could get tense very quickly even if conflict erupts elsewhere alliances will form very quickly - Russia, Iran , Turkey, EU all have a stake in his region - very interesting.

Perhaps it's time to put my Gog Magoggles on.