Through outright grants, lines of credit and, increasingly, through the sale of bonds in Western securities markets, Moscow is obtaining hard currency that it can use to finance its military programs, its own and allied espionage efforts and support for the subversive activities of its overseas clients.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Can The United States Afford Not To Be Properly Defended?

Make no mistake: What unfolds from this point forward concerning the fate of Iran's sovereign Eurobond offering -- and the discretionary cash it would provide to advance Tehran's more odious activities -- represents a key litmus test of Bush Administration, congressional and allied resolve in the war on terrorism.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

In addition, Merkel allied Germany with the U.S. to oppose Iran's nuclear activities, and she was vocal on energy security at the G8 summit meeting this summer, where she was the only female leader at the table.

FORBES: Magazine Article