Revelation 6:5,6 NCV When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse, and its rider held a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard something that sounded like a voice coming from the middle of the four living creatures. The voice said, "A quart of wheat for a day's pay, and three quarts of barley for a day's pay, and do not damage the olive oil and wine!"
U.S. officials are watching the economic situation in Greece with concern that it might lead to a situation where Russia could gain influence over a NATO member.
Greece, on the verge of bankruptcy, has been struggling with members of the European Union regarding debts and loans to cover costs. If Greece defaults, Russia could swoop in with economic help and turn that nation against the West.
“You can easily see how geopolitically this would be a gift to Russia,” says Sebastian Mallaby at the Council on Foreign Relations. “You do not want Europe to have to deal with a Greece that is a member of NATO but which all of a sudden hates the West and is cozying up to Russia.”
President Obama and his administration have been quietly talking with German leaders about getting the EU to resolve the standoff with Greece. Apparently the EU’s issues with Ukraine have factored into the Greece discussions.
The Greek prime minister traveled to Russia last week to meet with Russian president Putin.
Russia has been working to weaken the EU’s support for sanctions which require all 28 member nations to approve before going into effect. If Greece remains in the EU but receives major support from Russia, they could block further sanctions.
“We still believe that Europe remains united against Russia and what they’re doing,” says John Kirby, state department spokesman, when asked about the potential impact of a Greek default.
“I think coming out of the G7 you saw a lot of unity in Europe for continued sanctions against Russia and the possibility for increased sanctions to further isolate Russia.”
