The ratification of the Kyoto Protocol (KP) has become a great game between the Russian bear and the EU/Japan, very much reminiscent of the Great Game played between the same bear and the British bulldog in the late 19th century over Northwest India & Afghanistan. Of course, the new entrant is Uncle Sam, whom everyone is trying to cajole & pacify.

One can only speculate why the Russians, including President Putin, are trying to keep the world on tenterhooks, even at CoP-9. It is perhaps an attempt to mollify the imperial Bush on their lack of enthusiasm for the Iraq invasion and occupation. Or they can be trying to squeeze out concessions (including monetary ones from the EU and Japan). Or they are maybe trying to demonstrate what an important role they play in addressing global climate change.

But this gaming is NOT benefiting the worldwide attempts to curb global warming. In fact, it seems to be part of a sinister conspiracy to delay long enough any reductions by Annex I nations, until the big non-Annex I nations like India, China & Brazil reach emission levels that equal or exceed those of USA, EU or Japan