Greater breadth of focus needed

The United States in its the series of ill fated decisions during the overreaction to 9-11bogged the US down in the chaotic nest of hostilities now called Iraq. This weakens its ability to function with the necessary authority vis a vis important competitors such as Russia and China.

American voters should be calling for and looking for leaders who can bring the US to lead and engage the world with a broader grasp of the complexities and multiple fronts that define contemporary international relations.

Russia's decision here is very serious.

clipped from ca.today.reuters.com Russia suspends participation in key arms pact MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia suspended its participation in a key pact limiting military forces in Europe on Saturday, fulfilling a threat after months of verbal sparring with the West. The suspension comes amid worsening relations with Europe and Washington on a range of fronts, including U.S. plans for a missile shield in eastern Europe, proposed independence for Serbia's Kosovo province and Moscow's energy policies. "Russian threats have materialized and I don't exclude that more steps could follow," said Yevgeny Volk, the head of the Washington-based Heritage Foundation think-tank.