In furtherance of this goal, Obama has devoted himself to putting the screws on US allies, slashing America's defense budget and embarking on a worldwide tour apologizing to US adversaries.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Avoiding an American ambush

By holding the meeting the day after North Korea tested its bomb and after Iran's announcement that it rejects the US's offer to negotiate about its nuclear program, the administration demonstrated that regardless of what Iran does, Washington's commitment to putting the screws on Israel is not subject to change.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Israel and the Axis of Evil

Will the government pick fights with its neighbours (especially Slovakia) over minority rights, or tighten the screws on the opposition, for example by putting former prime ministers on trial for misrule?

ECONOMIST: Europe