Nord Stream

20 Questions and Answers based on Seymour Hersh’s reporting.

The US took out the Nord Stream pipeline.

More accurately, Empire did it.

Apparently, this isn’t something you can say in Europe, certainly not on TV or among polite society.

To understand why Empire did it, I believe you need to understand Heartland Theory, which I recently wrote about.

Heartland Theory

Mackinder viewed Germany's potential alliance with Russia as a significant threat to British interests. He believed that if Germany and Russia were to combine their resources — Germany's technological and industrial prowess with Russia's vast natural resources and manpower — this alliance would challenge and possibly overcome the maritime dominance of Britain and its allies. Such a German-Russian bloc could exploit the Heartland's geographic advantages to its benefit, making it a formidable force against the maritime powers.

Daniel Natal, in his recent video, explains the Mackinder thesis again, which is the best compass for understanding both world wars, the Cold War, Ukraine and now Nord Stream.

Here are some key takeaways from this Natal clip.

Germany's Industrial Decline

• Context: Natal begins by highlighting the closure of a German industrial facility, marking the end of an era that began during the peak of German industrialization. This closure is attributed to the energy crisis exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, specifically the damage to the Nord Stream pipelines, which disrupted cheap energy supplies from Russia.

• Implication: This event is symbolic of Germany's diminishing role as an industrial superpower, heavily influenced by its reliance on energy imports and the geopolitical maneuvers that limit its access to affordable energy resources.

Geopolitical Theories and Mackinder

• Mackinder's Warning: Natal references Sir Halford Mackinder, a geographer who, in 1904, predicted that the geopolitical center of power was in Eurasia ("the World Island"), comprising Europe, Asia, and Africa. Mackinder warned that if Germany and Russia were allowed to trade freely, leveraging German technology and Russian natural resources, it would shift the global power balance away from the Atlantic powers (UK and USA) back to Eurasia.

• Strategic Implications: To prevent this shift, Mackinder advocated for measures to disrupt the economic and political cooperation between Germany and Russia, a strategy that has influenced Western policies to this day.

Impact on Europe and the Atlanticist Strategy

• Europe's Economic Engine: Natal suggests that Germany's economic struggles, induced by energy shortages and geopolitical strife, have broader implications for the European Union. As Germany's economy falters, it potentially drags the rest of Europe down with it, aligning with the interests of Atlanticist powers who seek to maintain dominance over Europe.

• Atlanticist Objectives: It's argued that the Atlanticist strategy aims to prevent Europe from becoming sufficiently powerful to challenge Anglo-American hegemony. This involves impoverishing Europe, disrupting its energy supplies, and undermining its agricultural and industrial bases.

Broader Geopolitical and Economic Context

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Natal touches on global supply chain issues, highlighting how geopolitical tensions and trade wars, particularly between the USA and China, are reshaping the landscape for critical resources like rare earth minerals and lithium. These tensions are seen as part of a broader struggle for technological and economic supremacy in the 21st century.

• Strategic Resource Control: The discovery of significant mineral reserves in the USA and the implications for global supply chains are discussed. This is framed within the context of an ongoing competition for control over the resources essential for modern technologies, from electric vehicles to high-tech manufacturing.

Conclusion

Natal paints a picture of a world at a geopolitical and economic inflection point, where traditional alliances, supply chains, and power balances are being tested and reshaped. The dynamics between Germany, Russia, and the broader European and global context are depicted as central to understanding these shifts, with historical strategies and predictions like those of Mackinder influencing contemporary policies and outcomes.

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Now, with all that said, let’s dive into the reporting work of Seymour Hersh, who has done the most important work of anyone on the subject of the Nord Stream pipeline.

He has published it on Substack…where else.

What I have done here is taken his 6 articles/reports of 2023 on the subject and turned them into a comprehensive Q&A with questions of gradual complexity, while relying solely on his articles for the answers. It would be as if I was interviewing Hersh.

The goal is to take someone who has no knowledge of the subject from beginner to expert in a short amount of time.

Here are the six articles.

• 8 February 2023 - How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline

• 22 February 2023 - FROM THE GULF OF TONKIN TO THE BALTIC SEA

• 22 March 2023 - THE COVER-UP

• 5 April 2023 - THE NORD STREAM GHOST SHIP

• 26 September 2023 - A YEAR OF LYING ABOUT NORD STREAM

• 23 December 2023 - NORD STREAM AND GERMANY’S SHRINKING ECONOMY

But before we do the Q&A, I want to focus specifically on Hersh’s first article published on the 8th Feb 2023.

How America Took Out The Nord Stream Pipeline

Comprehensive Summary:

Background and Location of the Operation

The article discusses a covert operation carried out by the United States against the Nord Stream pipelines. The operation was based out of the U.S. Navy’s Diving and Salvage Center in Panama City, Florida. This center, known for training skilled deep-water divers, was chosen for its expertise in technical diving and the use of explosives underwater.

Objective and Execution

The main objective of the operation was to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines, crucial conduits supplying Russian natural gas to Germany and Western Europe. In June, during the NATO exercise BALTOPS 22, Navy divers planted remotely triggered explosives on the pipelines. This operation was seen as necessary by the U.S. to counter what was perceived as a geopolitical weaponization of energy by Russia, particularly in the context of mounting tensions over Ukraine.

Political Context and Secrecy

The decision for this operation involved extensive secret discussions within the U.S. national security community. The use of Navy divers, as opposed to Special Operations Command, was a strategic choice to avoid the need for Congressional reporting. High-level U.S. officials, including President Biden and his foreign policy team, viewed the pipelines as threats due to their potential to increase European dependence on Russian gas.

The Pipelines: Nord Stream 1 and 2

Nord Stream 1 had been operational for over a decade, while Nord Stream 2, completed in September 2021, was pending approval. The pipelines were seen by NATO and Washington as increasing Putin's influence and reducing European reliance on American resources.

Opposition to Nord Stream 2

U.S. opposition to Nord Stream 2 escalated, with the Senate passing laws to halt the project. However, the Biden administration initially waived sanctions on Nord Stream AG. The subsequent U-turn on this position followed political pressure and growing tensions over Ukraine.

Planning and International Involvement

The operation's planning began in 2021, with various U.S. military branches and the CIA considering methods for pipeline destruction. Norway, with its advanced military capabilities and shared concerns about Russia, played a crucial role in the operation's planning and execution.

Execution and Aftermath

The explosives were planted under the guise of a NATO exercise and detonated remotely, resulting in the destruction of three of the four pipelines. This operation was intended to be covert, with the U.S. avoiding direct attribution.

Media and Government Responses

Following the pipeline bombings, the U.S. media treated the incident as a mystery, with Russia often cited as a likely perpetrator. However, U.S. government officials, including Secretary of State Blinken and Undersecretary of State Nuland, have indirectly acknowledged the strategic benefits of the pipeline's destruction.

20 Questions and Answers “with” Seymour Hersh.

1. What is the Nord Stream pipeline, and why is it significant? The Nord Stream pipeline refers to two major undersea pipeline projects, Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, designed to transport natural gas from Russia to Germany directly through the Baltic Sea. Its significance lies in its capacity to supply a substantial portion of Europe's energy needs, offering a direct and efficient route for Russian gas to enter the European market. This bypasses transit countries, potentially reducing transit fees and geopolitical risks associated with land routes through Eastern Europe. The pipelines have been at the center of geopolitical tensions, reflecting broader concerns about Europe's energy dependence on Russia and the implications for European energy security and political sovereignty.

2. Who is Seymour Hersh, and what is his relevance to investigative journalism? Seymour Hersh is a renowned American investigative journalist known for his in-depth reporting on national security, foreign policy, and military affairs. His work has uncovered some of the most critical and controversial stories in American history, including the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War and the Abu Ghraib prison scandal in Iraq. Hersh's relevance to investigative journalism lies in his meticulous approach to uncovering the truth, often challenging official narratives and holding power to account. His reporting has not only informed the public but has also sparked debates on ethical, political, and military issues, showcasing the vital role of investigative journalism in a democratic society.

3. What was the Gulf of Tonkin incident, and how did it impact the Vietnam War? The Gulf of Tonkin incident refers to two separate encounters in August 1964 between U.S. and North Vietnamese naval forces in the Gulf of Tonkin. The first was an actual engagement, but the second was falsely reported as an attack on U.S. destroyers. This misinformation led President Lyndon B. Johnson to seek and receive congressional approval for the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution, granting him broad military powers in Vietnam without a formal declaration of war. The incident significantly impacted the Vietnam War by escalating U.S. military involvement, leading to a prolonged conflict with extensive casualties and profound social and political ramifications in the United States and Vietnam.

4. Can you explain the historical relationship between Norway and the United States regarding military operations? The historical relationship between Norway and the United States regarding military operations dates back to the Cold War, characterized by cooperation on defense and intelligence matters. This partnership has involved joint training exercises, intelligence sharing, and, as detailed by Seymour Hersh, covert operations. For example, Norwegian seamen and "Nasty-class" patrol boats were involved in clandestine activities against North Vietnam in the 1960s. This long-standing collaboration reflects shared strategic interests, particularly in countering Soviet (and later Russian) influence and ensuring security in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions.

5. What led to President Joe Biden's decision to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines? While specific motivations behind President Joe Biden's decision to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines are complex and multifaceted, key factors include concerns over Europe's energy dependence on Russia and the geopolitical implications of the Nord Stream projects. The decision reflects a strategic attempt to weaken Russia's economic leverage over Europe, particularly in the context of rising tensions surrounding Ukraine and broader European security concerns. This move was intended to disrupt the direct supply of Russian gas to Germany and, by extension, to the rest of Europe, thereby influencing the geopolitical landscape in favor of U.S. and NATO interests.

6. How did the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines affect Europe's energy supply? The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines significantly impacted Europe's energy supply by cutting off a major source of natural gas, exacerbating an existing energy crisis. This led to increased energy prices, contributing to economic strain across the continent. European countries, particularly Germany, faced challenges in securing alternative energy sources to meet demand, prompting concerns over energy security and economic stability. The incident highlighted Europe's vulnerability to disruptions in energy supply and the need for diversification of energy sources and routes.

7. What role did the Norwegian Navy play in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines? According to Seymour Hersh's reporting, the Norwegian Navy played a crucial role in the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines by providing highly skilled seamen and technicians. This involvement leveraged Norway's expertise in maritime operations and its strategic position in the North Atlantic. The cooperation between the United States and Norway in this operation underscores the depth of military and intelligence collaboration between the two nations, particularly in executing covert operations with significant geopolitical implications.

8. Was the Andromeda yacht story related to the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage a factual account or a cover-up? The story involving the Andromeda yacht in relation to the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage was reported to be a cover-up, according to investigative journalist Seymour Hersh. Intelligence agencies, in collaboration with foreign partners, allegedly crafted and disseminated this narrative to obscure the true origins and perpetrators behind the pipeline's destruction. The cover story suggested that a pro-Ukrainian group, using the Andromeda yacht, carried out the sabotage operation, effectively diverting attention from the involvement of any state actors, particularly the United States. This narrative served to provide a plausible but misleading explanation for the events, aiming to protect the interests and actions of the Biden administration, which, as per Hersh's reporting, had ordered the sabotage to undermine Russian energy supply to Europe and assert geopolitical leverage. The utilization of such a cover story highlights the complexities and strategic misinformation often employed in the realm of international relations and covert operations.

9. How has Germany's political landscape changed in response to the energy crisis? Germany's political landscape has experienced shifts in response to the energy crisis exacerbated by the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage. The crisis has fueled economic concerns and contributed to a rise in support for parties like the Alternative for Germany (AfD), which espouses anti-immigrant and nationalist policies. The energy crisis, coupled with broader societal and economic challenges, has prompted debates on Germany's energy policies, environmental goals, and its geopolitical positioning, particularly regarding relations with Russia and the United States.

10. What is the Alternative for Germany (AfD), and how has it gained popularity? The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a right-wing political party known for its anti-immigrant stance and Eurosceptic positions. Founded in 2013, the AfD has gained popularity amid growing public dissatisfaction with mainstream political parties, concerns over immigration, and the perceived impact of globalization and EU policies on national sovereignty. The energy crisis and economic challenges have further propelled the AfD's popularity, as the party capitalizes on public discontent, framing itself as a defender of national interests against external pressures and internal political failures.

11. How does the destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines relate to Germany's economic conditions? The destruction of the Nord Stream pipelines directly relates to Germany's economic conditions by exacerbating an already challenging energy situation. The loss of a stable and affordable natural gas supply from Russia has led to increased energy costs for businesses and consumers, contributing to inflation and economic uncertainty. This has particularly affected energy-intensive industries, leading to concerns about deindustrialization and the long-term competitiveness of the German economy. The situation underscores the intricate connection between energy security, economic health, and geopolitical dynamics.

12. What is the concept of deindustrialization, and how is it applicable to Germany's current economic situation? Deindustrialization refers to the process of industrial decline, characterized by a reduction in industrial capacity, manufacturing, and the loss of related jobs, often in favor of service-oriented sectors. This concept is applicable to Germany's current economic situation, as the energy crisis and high costs have forced some industries to scale back production or shut down, risking Germany's status as an industrial powerhouse. The potential long-term shift away from manufacturing could have profound implications for Germany's economy, labor market, and global trade position, highlighting the critical role of energy policy in shaping industrial landscapes.

13. Can you detail the US-Norway collaboration in covert operations from the Cold War to the present? The US-Norway collaboration in covert operations has a rich history, dating back to the Cold War when both countries shared a common interest in countering Soviet influence. This partnership has included intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and covert operations, such as those targeting North Vietnam's coastal defenses during the Vietnam War. More recently, this collaboration has extended to the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, demonstrating the ongoing strategic alignment between the US and Norway in addressing mutual security concerns. These operations reflect the complex interplay between national interests, security objectives, and international law, underscoring the enduring nature of US-Norway defense cooperation.

14. What are the potential long-term consequences of the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage for European energy security? The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines presents several potential long-term consequences for European energy security. Firstly, it underscores the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to geopolitical tensions, highlighting the need for diversification of energy sources and routes. Europe may accelerate its transition towards renewable energy and seek to reduce dependency on single suppliers or routes. Secondly, the incident could lead to increased investment in energy security measures, including the development of alternative pipeline projects, LNG terminals, and storage facilities. Lastly, the sabotage may influence European foreign and energy policy, potentially leading to a reevaluation of relations with major energy suppliers like Russia and the United States, as Europe seeks to balance its energy needs with geopolitical considerations.

15. How has the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines influenced public opinion and political trends in Germany and Europe? The sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines has influenced public opinion and political trends in Germany and Europe by heightening concerns over energy security, economic stability, and the geopolitical maneuvering of major powers. In Germany, the incident has fueled debates over the country's energy policies, reliance on Russian gas, and the need for diversification of energy sources. It has also contributed to political polarization, with parties on the right, such as the AfD, gaining traction by capitalizing on public discontent with the current situation. Across Europe, the sabotage has prompted discussions about the importance of European solidarity, the role of NATO, and the future of Europe's relationship with both Russia and the United States, reflecting a complex interplay of domestic and international politics.

16. What lessons can be learned from the Gulf of Tonkin incident in relation to modern covert operations? The Gulf of Tonkin incident teaches several lessons applicable to modern covert operations. Firstly, it highlights the risks of escalation based on misinformation or misinterpretation of events, underscoring the importance of accurate intelligence and clear communication. Secondly, it demonstrates how political agendas can shape the interpretation of intelligence data, potentially leading to unwarranted military actions. These lessons emphasize the need for caution, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes to avoid repeating the mistakes that can lead to prolonged conflicts. The incident also serves as a reminder of the long-term consequences of engaging in covert operations without considering the broader geopolitical and ethical implications.

17. In what ways do covert operations impact the relationship between nations involved, such as the US and Germany in the Nord Stream case? Covert operations can have profound impacts on the relationships between nations involved, potentially leading to trust issues, diplomatic tensions, or even a reassessment of alliances. In the Nord Stream case, if German authorities were unaware of or not fully briefed on the US's plans to sabotage the pipelines, this could strain US-German relations, raising questions about sovereignty, transparency, and mutual respect. Conversely, if there was collusion or tacit approval, it could indicate a deep level of strategic cooperation but also expose both nations to criticism both domestically and internationally. The operation's fallout necessitates careful diplomatic management to mitigate negative perceptions and preserve the overall strength of the alliance.

18. What is the significance of the Alternative for Germany (AfD)'s rise in the context of the energy crisis and political shifts? The rise of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) in the context of the energy crisis and political shifts is significant as it represents a broader trend of increasing support for nationalist and populist parties across Europe. The AfD's gain in popularity can be attributed to public discontent with the mainstream parties' handling of the energy crisis, immigration, and economic policies. This shift towards the right reflects a growing polarization in German society and the politicization of issues such as energy security, national identity, and Germany's role in the European Union. The AfD's rise is a bellwether for potential changes in Germany's domestic and foreign policies, signaling challenges to the political status quo and potentially altering Germany's approach to energy, security, and immigration.

19. How does the concept of deniability factor into the planning and execution of covert operations? The concept of deniability is central to the planning and execution of covert operations, allowing states to undertake actions that serve their interests while minimizing the risk of diplomatic fallout or public backlash. Plausible deniability enables governments to distance themselves from controversial or illegal activities, maintaining a facade of adherence to international norms and laws. This allows for the pursuit of strategic objectives under the veil of secrecy, with reduced accountability. The strategic use of deniability, however, can lead to skepticism and mistrust among the international community and the public, highlighting the delicate balance between secrecy, accountability, and ethical conduct in statecraft.

20. What future challenges can arise from the precedent set by the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage? The precedent set by the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage poses several future challenges, including the potential normalization of targeting civilian infrastructure as a means of geopolitical warfare. This could lead to an escalation of similar covert operations, increasing the risk of unintended consequences and broader regional or global conflicts. Additionally, the incident raises questions about energy security, the resilience of critical infrastructure, and the need for international cooperation to prevent such acts. The long-term challenge will be to address the underlying tensions and grievances that motivate such operations while reinforcing norms and mechanisms to protect critical infrastructure and ensure stability in international relations.

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I’d like to give the final word to Jimmy Dore.

We need to now rely on honest comedians to do the reporting that The Journalists will no longer do.

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