Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, a former foreign minister of Denmark, has a great article on the politics behind Nord Stream in the Moscow Times, suggesting that in any other country, Gerhard Schröder would be prosecuted for corruption for taking a Gazprom job after using political office to help their business.

At first glance, there seems to be no problem. But the real reason that Russia wants to build Nord Stream, which is more expensive than the existing gas pipeline network, is that it will enable Russia to interrupt gas supplies to EU member countries like Poland, the Baltic states and Ukraine, while keeping its German and other West European customers snug and warm.