A likely source for terrorists seeking to buy or steal nuclear materials is the former Soviet Union.

The U.S has acquired reservoirs of goodwill around the globe over many years. But it is clear - from polling data and ample anecdotal evidence - that America is losing its allure in much of the world.

The U.S. should support the historic Gaza withdrawal as a first step toward a final settlement: a permanent Palestinian state in Gaza and nearly all of the West Bank.

Democracy fascinates me.

Addressing global resentment cannot be put off. If we do not learn to use our predominant power with great restraint, we will antagonize the world.

But in the end our government usually - not unfailingly - is responsive to the people; and usually - not always - will try to do what is right.

So much of our attention is trained on the Middle East these days, but we cannot ignore East Asia.