Formation of a battle group represents a new level of concern over an evolving reality -- the power of Russia, the weakness of Europe and the fragmentation of NATO.
The relationship between the U.S. and Pakistan is ultimately far more important than the details of how Osama bin Laden was captured. And for Washington, the option of breaking with Pakistan does not exist.
It is not clear whether China's next generation of leaders will augment Deng's theory, or discard it. It is clear, however, that China is taking on a challenge much greater than a change in presidents or administrations.
If you must go into war in North Africa, go in heavy, go in hard and get out fast. Humanitarian warfare, however, says go in light, go in soft and stay a long time.