That Dog Won’t Bark

China remains silent after it discovers 27 spying devices in a plane sold to them by the United States; Russia welcomes NATO to its borders; the Arab street does not publicly criticize the invasion of fellow religious extremists in Afghanistan. Why is it that whenever the United States resolves to “go it alone” anticipated opposition seems to melt away? Safire asserts that part of the reason is the new ability of the US to put forth a clear foreign policy. This could prove extremely beneficial to the United States as long as it does not abuse its power. – YaleGlobal