http://theenergycollective.com/gregbothun/2192511/whats-driving-gasoline-and-oil-prices?utm_source=tec_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

If there is any evidence or even any trace the US would promote low oil prices politically (for whatever reason), then pls. name them, f.i. name the tools or methods, f.i. applied tax brakes or whatever. And if there should be any evidence the US is doing this explicitly in order to hurt Russia or any other opponent, then pls. bring forward any supporting documents or note your argument is rather an assumption or opinion.

Even though I very much agree that we should see the Energiewende in a political light as well (energy has always been political) and I would like to see a much higher European energy independence (from Russia, but also in general), I think this article is rather weak.

On another note, I think a public discussion on the political impact of the Energiewende is of importance. Right now some voices call for higher defense budgets and the US has actually been asking Germany directly to step these up. “Investments” in military never pay off, they are always loss-making. At the same time fossil fuel imports from Russia continue big time in an even more destabilized political environment (Ukraine). Maybe investments in more energy independence and the Energiewende including reduced or ceased imports (true sanctions) could have more bang for the buck in terms of showing Russia a true commitment of the West to democracy and stability in Eastern Europe even though this alone would not stop current Russian imperialistic politics.

However I agree Saudi Arabia has made a strategic decision, not to reduce the export volumes. But this hurts the US domestic oil/gas sector more than it does Russia. My understanding is the US extraction prices are much higher than SA and Ru.