I have found that the Uncertainty Principle of quantum physics actually has no analogue in foreign policy. Regardless, it is a good way to describe Obama's foreign policy doctrine.

Beijing bests Manila in a naval standoff, worrying its neighbors.

China has recently begun building oil rigs and conducting military exercises in disputed territorial waters. This has threatened its neighbors and raises questions about Chinese intentions.

How to keep a credible U.S. presence in Asia under a significantly reduced military budget is the new challenge for U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. The answer, unfortunately, may well rest with Beijing.

In the face of this Chinese buildup, Washington needs to do more to maintain its air-power superiority. Its aging F-15s and F-16s increasingly will be unable to match more modern Chinese counterparts, and even the far superior skills of U.S. pilots can't make up for outdated aircraft.

American policy makers need to recognize they're playing a different game from the Chinese and adjust their strategy. While shifting to billiards is too provocative for Washington, if trends continue, it may soon find itself behind the eight ball with few options for maintaining its stabilizing role in the region.

Governments must provide in-kind incentives in order to spur organ donations, as altruism cannot be the sole legitimate motive for donating, and to achieve the true end of saving more lives.

The South China Sea row highlights how much influence ASEAN has lost compared with Beijing.