Iraq's move to send troops to Kuwait actually did Seryosha a great favor. Because war can affect international oil prices. And the high price of oil allowed the Soviet Union to get more foreign exchange from the balance of payments. If the war in the Middle East continues for the last year, Seryosha can use the profits from the sale of oil to subsidize the cost of building a gas pipeline.

However, this kind of good thing can only be thought of, the United States will send troops sooner or later, and Saddam's army seems to be strong, but in the face of the United States' superiority in the sea and air, it can only be a silver-like pewter spearhead, which is useless. Since Seryosha knew for a long time that Saddam's mud could not support the wall, he would not have any illusions.

Although Seryosha has no intention of supporting Saddam, it does not mean that Seryosha does not intend to benefit from the current situation in the Middle East. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the attitude of the Soviet Union on the Kuwait issue was crucial. And if the United States wants to send troops justifiably, it must have the support of the Soviet Union. As long as the Soviet Union does not agree to the use of force against Iraq, the United States will not be able to obtain authorization from the United Nations for a day.

So this time Seryosha did not intend to continue to pretend to be deaf and dumb at the regular meeting of the Politburo of the CPSU. He first found an opportunity to communicate with Shevardnadze about his position on the Iraqi issue. That is, don't take too much pleasure in following the meaning of the Americans.

Just after the international risk consulting firm launched an offensive on the Kosha border, Gorbachev received a phone call from President Bush. At the regular meeting of the Politburo, he solicited everyone's views on this issue. Seryosha was the first to stand up and express his opposition.

"Secretary Gorbachev, comrades and committee members, I oppose the use of force against Iraq, which is one of our few allies in the Middle East and a major oil country, which has a decisive influence on international oil prices. If the United States uses force against Iraq, although it will cause international oil prices to rise in the short term, once the war is over and the United States strengthens the price of oil in the Middle East, then we will always be led by the nose by the United States in the future. So I suggest that we refuse this request of the Americans for the time being, but don't talk to death, and make the Americans feel that we are hesitating! ”

"Comrade Ulyanov, it's not appropriate to do this! We now need the support of Western countries in many ways! Some people heard Seryosha's copper-smelling remarks and felt very disdainful. Standing with the United States to stop Iraq's aggression against its neighbors is a great thing for maintaining world peace, and as long as we take a firm stand on this matter, it will have a positive and positive effect on the international image of the Soviet Union.

"It is precisely because of the fall in oil prices that we cannot make ends meet that the Americans will have an opportunity to take advantage of it, comrades, how much foreign debt we have to pay now, I think everyone here knows as well as I do that our leaky and broken ship may sink at any time, do you think we still have the heart to care about the lives and deaths of others? At the 28 th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which has just been held, how many comrades were dissatisfied with the weakness of the Central Committee on the issue of Eastern Europe, and chose to leave our party organization in anger, and blindly adopted a policy of appeasement in international affairs can only further split our party. Seryosha refuted mercilessly.

"You are so insightful, why don't you go and negotiate with the Americans!" Someone whispered dissatisfied.

"Well, no more. Normal discussion of issues, do not make personal attacks on comrades! Gorbachev coughed, then warned. Seryosha's power is now too great, and he has been promoted too quickly within the party, and some people within the Politburo have a lot of opinions about him. However, neither the Marxist-Leninist program nor the current democratic program can ignore the tremendous role played by Seryosha in economic reform. Now that Seryosha has a part of his followers in the party, his opinion is no longer insignificant.

"I agree with Comrade Ulyanov, I don't think Comrade Ulyanov should be excluded on this issue! I had some communication with Comrade Ulyanov before the meeting, and I felt that even if I went to deal with this matter myself, I would have to refer to Comrade Ulyanov's suggestion. So I propose that it is better to let Ulyanov have full authority to deal with the Kuwait issue! Shevardnadze, who had been silent, suddenly opened his mouth to express his support for Seryosha.

Gorbachev did not offend Seryosha for any reason, after all, Seryosha is still his person, and if Seryosha handles this matter well, Gorbachev will be more sure of running for president!

"General Secretary, I think we should listen to Comrade Ulyanov's advice before making a decision, after all, the international influence of this matter is not small, I think we should still be aware of it!" Comrade Nursultan Nazarbayev from Central Asia said euphemistically.

"Good! Since it is an internal party decision, it is natural to be open and transparent to all the members present! My plan is simple, we can be consistent with the United States on Kuwait! But the United States and the Arab countries that oppose Iraq must make certain amends to us! I have the following demands: first, Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries will jointly provide us with interest-free loans of 100 billion US dollars, and second, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will guarantee to support a 20% production cut in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to bring international oil prices back to a reasonable range! These two conditions are indispensable, and if one is not met, we will go on to vote against it in the General Assembly. Seryosha said unceremoniously.

"It's so whimsical......"

"The United States and Saudi Arabia will not agree to ......"

"How is this possible, absolutely impossible ......"

"Quiet, Comrade Ulyanov, have you seriously considered what you said? How sure are you that the Americans and Arabs will do what you want? "Gorbachev feels that Seryosha is blowing a bit big today, do you still want to command Saudi Arabia, how can Saudi Arabia accept such harsh conditions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I don't care if you believe it or not, I am 100% responsible for what I have said, if you don't believe it, just give me this job, if I do it, I will resign from all positions inside and outside the party!" Seryosha said confidently.

Among the people present, Gorbachev looked at Seryosha expressionlessly, but there was a hint of reminder in his eyes, while Yakovlev inadvertently shook his head at Seryosha, which meant to tell him, don't talk so much!

The concern of the two people still made Seryosha feel a trace of warmth, but it was not a whim for him to be so impulsive today, he has now been brought out by his own supporters in the party, whether he wants to or not, Seryosha must make a strong response to those different voices in the party. 21010