His policy towards Russia (apart form the shameful comments about Russia's democracy, which were unnecessary) was fine. The Nordpipe makes a lot of sense for Germany and for Europe - it's in line with 40 years of gas diplomacy with Russia that has worked perfectly well for import-dependent countries like France Germany and Italy.

Avoiding provocations of Russia, and maintaining the UNSC's role are not stupid goals either.

In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes