You seriously need to learn more about trade negotiations and tactics. you might want to read this and see just what will happen. In other words, it is not a done deal. The question is which Europe will come? Will it be the same old Europe where only Germany, France, and Spain benefit while the smaller naitons do not, or will the so called New Europe which each member nation will have a say. Again, it is not set in stone and both sides need to compromise.

As for the US, the last trade deal was stopped by Congress, not by anyone else. Nor do I think you understand the resiliency of the US economy. I have heard the same doom and gloom tactics since 1980 when the Yen was 300 and appreciated to 100, in the 1990's when the Won (Korea) appreciated from 3000 to 1100, and now when the EEuro appreciated from 1.3 to .7. By 2010, it will be back in full swing even if Obama is President.

Honestly you present an interesting, but at least for me also really confusing view on the world/events.

Anyway I'm sure the Russians have really other motivations for their foreign policy than simple paybacks.
Their motivations are the same like ours a.k.a power, money, influence, security.

Ideas about payback rather belong to a villian in a James Bond movie.

And you don't believe that at least higher demand for oil is somewhat to blame as well??

Anyway haven't heard anyone blaming higher oil prices to be the main reason for the US-economy to hit a recession/depression.

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"bellum omnium contra omnes; atque in eo bello jus esse omnibus in omnia."
Thomas Hobbes

"Homo Homini Lupus"
Thomas Hobbes