U.S. strategy under President Barack Obama has returned to classic patterns, allowing the system to evolve as it will and so permitting a reduction in American efforts.
Rumors have emerged that the United States has offered Iran the possibility of negotiations. Given the knot that is being tied in the region, the rumors come as no surprise.
Moscow is pursuing a drive to divide Europe and the United States, a balancing act that takes in ballistic missile defense and the politics of membership in the World Trade Organization.