If assassination was most noxious to the progressive left, the fact that a president they supported embraced the strategy has permanently nullified what otherwise would have been a staunchly partisan issue

By making the most significant cuts in military spending since the end of the Cold War, Britain's military capability will matter less because it will be less, which means Washington's attention span will undoubtedly be less.

Although there are many reasons for the existence of the "special relationship" between Washington and London, the cornerstone of that relationship from its first days has been shared "hard power" in the areas of intelligence and defense.

Why does Iran consider Afghanistan so important? What are Iran's strategic aims in Afghanistan?

Moreover, most allies haven't a clue how the pivot will manifest itself and what role they should be playing. If a "pivot" means anything, it is at the least keeping security commitments. Now Obama has made one -- helping Taiwan close the "fighter gap."

Anyone talking to Europeans about the need to improve European military capabilities will hear a lot of positive noises and many declarations of good will and firm intentions. But the question remains, as so often in the past, as to what extent Europe will really be able to match its words with adequate deeds.

Obama's Stakhanovite efforts to transform America's economy and society into something akin to European-style social democracy are undergoing considerable analysis and debate, especially as the 2012 campaign steams towards November. Most presidential re-election contests are referenda on the incumbent, and this year will be no exception.

A new consensus is emerging in Washington, and it is Eurosceptical.