Battling for resources

One of my professors at university theorized that the next world war may erupt from an argument over natural resources. He thought that the most likely conflict would concern water from the River Nile and be fought between Ethiopia and Egypt. I was skeptical, I always assumed that terrorism, religion or political ideology would eventually lead to the next global conflict. By the way, I don't consider the "war on terror" a world war.

After failing to kill Yushchenko the Kremlin is now cutting the supply of natural gas to the Ukraine. A deal sealed prior to the last election set gas prices at 20% of what the Russians are now demanding. It's understandable that Russia would seek a fair market value for their natural gas however a deal is a deal and a measured increase in prices over time is solution that makes the most sense. Unfortunately for the Russians they supply 25% of Europe's gas, distributed through pipelines that pass through the Ukraine. This leaves Yushchenko in a powerful bargaining position.

Maybe my professor was right. A war between Russia and the Ukraine over natural gas would cause a situation that may force European countries to participate. Losing a quarter of their natural gas supply would be disastrous to the economies of France, Hungary, Austria, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Croatia. Putin is a problem. His imperialistic policies are moving Russia in the wrong direction.

Taking the lead from Yushchenko, I'm thinking about declaring war on my local gas company. I wonder whether I could cut the supply of gas that passes through my property until Keyspan agrees to lower prices. It's going to be a long winter.