TODAY - AT 6:35 P.M. ET:  As announced here earlier, I did attend a briefing today by a high British political figure.  Unfortunately, it was all off the record, but a few things, because they have been reported publicly, can be noted: 

First, I was startled to learn that Germany is now almost entirely dependent on Russia for energy supplies.  This represents a serious security threat to the West should Russia, during a crisis, turn off the valves.  In 1948 we supplied Berlin with its essentials during the Berlin Airlift, after the Soviet Union sealed off the city.  But supplying an entire country?  Be watchful on this.

Second, not a shock to us here, we simply don't know enough about the pirate situation in Somalia - who knows what about pirate actions before they happen.  In other words, the pirates may have links that could prove very interesting.  Watch also for developments on this front.  More information is likely to come out.  I want to see names.

April 15, 2009