Sanctions...

Germany threatened to retaliate against the United States if new sanctions on Russia end up penalizing German firms.

The Senate bill, approved by a margin of 98-2, includes new sanctions against Russia and Iran. Crucially, it foresees punitive measures against entities that provide material support to Russia in building energy export pipelines.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesman described the Senate bill, which must be approved to become law, as "a peculiar move".

He said it was "strange" that sanctions intended to punish Russia for alleged interference in the US elections could also trigger penalties against European companies.

The sharp response from Berlin comes at a time of deep strains in the transatlantic relationship due to shifts in US policy and a more confrontational rhetoric towards Europe under Trump.

Ironically, the part of the Senate bill that targets Russia was introduced by some of the president's top critics, including Republican hawk John McCain.

Give the Senate a vacation for three years till the next election. Just a thought.