The first is the nuclear cooperation pact with Russia ("U.S. and Russia to Enter Civilian Nuclear Pact, by Peter Baker, Washington Post, 8 July 2006). After the Indian one and this one, the next two should be with China and Brazil.

The second is to reject solo talks with North Korea ("Bush Rejects Solo Talks With North Korea," by Michael A. Fletcher, Washington Post, 8 July 2006). No sense in biting on that one. North Korea is ultimately an Asian problem with a largely Asian solution that segues into a U.S. troop reduction in the region. The only way that string is pulled is for something to step into the place of our historic balancing role in the region, and that is some sort of region-wide security alliance. Alliances are built off of common threats and shared victories, and again, both in this case must be primarily Asian in character.

Our fight lies in SWA shifting to Sub-Saharan Africa. Resources must be freed for the Long War. New allies must be obtained and stupid fights (Iran) must be obviated in order to keep our eyes on the prize of defeating this latest historic variant of the rejection of the ever expanding global capitalist economy.