Fire with Fire

[JMA]

since 1953. With 57 years of practice, one should be fairly adept...

Note the US does not have 57 years of practice, we only have 14 Administration terms and each has to learn anew...

Too true. From out here in the colonies the lack of long term continuity in US foreign policy does not contribute long term stable relationships with allies and potential allies. Just about every player in every country realises that when the next batch of America's brightest gets into the White House they are likely to be left holding the baby. Little wonder that the Swiss bank account is the best fall back position for most US allies and that the US's last best friend is young David in No.10. The solution is quite simple... but the implementation is near impossible.