In my last commentary I said something was happening in the European Union -- something that was unclear. Well, not according to Pravda's Vasily Bubnov. Bubnov sees the possiblity of another cold war in the works -- this time between America and Europe.

Bubnov's article was titled, "America Vs. Europe: Another Cold War?" In it he said, " the split in the European Union is not going to recede. France and Germany (together with Belgium and Luxembourg) do not mind becoming the leaders of the new Europe" Read about it here.

Was Bubnov certain a new cold war had started? Evidently not quite yet. He went on to say, "it is too early to say that two opposing groups have appeared in Europe. However, if it really happens, it will not surprise anyone."

However, I think Bubnov's oberservations were right on the mark. Here's why:

It turns out my suspicions in my last commentary were right. The EU's High Representative -- Javier Solana -- not only approved of, but was deeply involved with the recent mini defense summit held by France, Germany Belgium and Luxembourg in Brussels.

Why do I think Solana was involved? Because, shortly after the French Foreign Minister met with Russian officials to establish closer military ties between France and Russia, Solana also paid a visit to Moscow to apparently finish the negotiations. And, while in Moscow, Solana was reported to have said the four nation mini defense summit was "an important step" (Read about it here). 

Further more, if you recall, in yesterday's commentary I said Radio Free Europe's Ahto Lobjakas also appeared to suspect something sinister may be going on between the anti-American EU countries and Russia. Lobjakas said, "Although the precise intentions of the four countries meeting today remain unclear, it is worth noting that French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said in Moscow last week that Russia should be 'associated with the planning work that we are carrying out.'" (Read about it here)

And, this brings us again to the New York Times report where Elaine Sciolino said the four anti-American EU nations claimed all they were doing at their mini summit was a little "creative repackaging" (Read about it here).

Yes, something is happening in the EU. And, now it's becoming clear. The EU's anti-American factions first plan for a "hard core" defense group of 10 -- Solana's Recommendation 666 -- broke down over the war in Iraq when three of the group broke ranks and supported American. Now a "repackaging" of Recommendation 666 is in the works.

So, Bubnov, I think your observations were correct.

A new cold war has begun.