Governments which consider themselves kindred spirits with the world's oldest democracy find themselves at odds with their ally on a range of issues, including global warming, missile defense and North Korea. Proud nations with long histories fear their influence with the world's remaining superpower is waning under a new president with little firsthand experience in Europe.
China needs cutting down to size.
Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman and deputy National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley met NATO envoys Tuesday. They fly to London later in the day. Members of the team then fan out to other European capitals, including Moscow. Deputy Defense Secretary Richard Armitage is conducting a similar tour through Asia. However, many Europeans believe the mission is designed to sell a policy rather than forge one in consultations with allies.