So Angela Merkel is out as leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). In comes Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, Merkel's close ally who won the party's support with a very narrow victory over more conservative Friedrich Merz. The goal , as always in Europe, was to maintain the status quo politically. Change needed to change nothing. Brexit negotiations … Continue reading Meet the New Merkel, Same as the Old Merkel
germany
By Going Nuclear the EU Has Already Lost Its Battle with Italy
"Here's where we hold 'em by the nose, and kick 'em in the ass" — Patton If you ever want to know who’s losing an argument simply look at who’s doing the most threatening. Not who’s shouting the loudest or who’s the angriest, but who is threatening. Those who threaten are doing so because they … Continue reading By Going Nuclear the EU Has Already Lost Its Battle with Italy
More Peace Dividends as Merkel and Macron Join Syria Summit in Sochi
Over the summer Russian President Vladimir Putin went on a charm tour across Europe. In a whirlwind weekend he danced and dined his way through two important meetings, first at the Austrian Foreign Minister's wedding and then a garden party summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. I wasn't the only one to note the importance … Continue reading More Peace Dividends as Merkel and Macron Join Syria Summit in Sochi
Preparation is More than Buying Bottled Water
Hurricane Michael caught a lot of people unprepared. What looked like an uneventful gulf storm turned into a raging monster by the time it made landfall in the Florida panhandle. Michael missed us completely this year. I never really worried about it because there was so little error in the track and it was a … Continue reading Preparation is More than Buying Bottled Water
Salvini Stoking Italian Risk on Eve of Bavarian Elections
So, let's talk Germany v. Italy in a no-holds barred, tag-team grudge match for control over the future of the European Union. Because, make no mistake, that is exactly what is on the table when we analyze what is happening in the EU. Man of Many Hats, Matteo Salvini, is in the driver's seat pushing … Continue reading Salvini Stoking Italian Risk on Eve of Bavarian Elections
Merkel’s End Could Spark EU Breakdown
The pieces have been moving into place for months now. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has seen her power within German political circles wane for more than a year. Italy's opposition to the European Union's budget rules is stiffening. Bond yields are beginning to not just rise, but blow out uncontrollably. The Fed keeps raising rates … Continue reading Merkel’s End Could Spark EU Breakdown
Trump Folds on Nordstream 2 Because … Logic
Since its first announcement I have been convinced the Nordstream 2 pipeline would be built. I have followed every twist of this story from my days writing for Newsmax. And the reason for my confidence can be summed up in one word. Money. Nordstream 2 simply makes too much economic sense for any amount of … Continue reading Trump Folds on Nordstream 2 Because … Logic
A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe
"There's no crying in baseball!" — A League of Their Own The Great Realignment is coming to Europe next year. All the writing is on the wall. This summer saw German Chancellor Angela Merkel survive a leadership challenge by her coalition partner Horst Seehofer over her immigration policy. She needs political wins to maintain her … Continue reading A League of Leagues of Their Own in Europe