I have no idea how the question of the legitimate commerce relates to the presence of US troops in Germany.
That’s apples and oranges.
But US government otsructing legit commerce curbing Germany’s economy big time is an act provoking understandable anti-American sentiments there.
It is not Cruz’s business what Germans buy and from whom. Not American business.
As for US troops in Germany it is not something the Germans asked for and proud of. It is an occupying force in the first place which stayed there after WWII.
It is an exclusive matter of American consideration but the Germans certainly won’t miss the IS forces.
Another important moment is that just recently German Bundestag voted to overrule all limitations put by the EU on Nord Stream II. It is a project between Russia and Germany. It is none of Washington’s or Brussel’s business at all.
If Cruz and unelected EU bureaucrats believe the deal is bad for Ukraine obstructing its extortion racket over Russian gas transit to Europe why won’t they cry a river?
They say Russian influence is bad for Ukraine and there is European choice. Tell me at least one reason why the Russian energy companies need this? If Ukraine want Western choice they need to pay for themselves and let Cruz and his EU pals open their wallets.
There is no legit way to force Russia and Germany use Ukraine as an intermediary.
No legit way.
Although I understand it hurts DC kids on boards of Ukrainian energy companies. Too bad.
The whole Ukrainian-Russian situation resemble the relations between an aging trophy wife with a generous husband who has fallen on hard times. She is throwing tantrums and trying to screw around but nobody wants her beyond one-night stand and she extorts the husband to support her while continuing her amoral behavior.
It is indeed legitimate commerce and I don't know where Cruz gets the idea we have the right to stop it.
That being said, if the Krauts prefer to buy natgas from the Russians instead of the U.S., then let them pay for their own national defense (there is the connection). Ingratitude should have consequences.
the Germans certainly won’t miss the IS forces.
That is an ignorant statement. The effect of the U.S. bases on the local economies is no small thing. And if the Krauts had to spend the money it would take for a serious national defense, it would most certainly cut into their socialist spending budgets.
But really, when it comes down to it, it's been 75 years. Isn't it time to leave anyway?