American initiatives

threatened by domestic

and foreign opposition

Secretary of State John Kerry is seeing US foreign policy crumble on many fronts.

IT MUST BE a miserable time to be the U.S. Secretary of State.
Top of the agenda American foreign policy initiatives are, at best, stalled. At worst, they are threatened by opposition both at home and abroad.
Talks with Iran over its nuclear weapons ambitions are coming apart amidst acrimonious charges of who is to blame and resolute opposition from Israel.
Attempts to get a peace process started in Syria are stymied by reluctant opponents of President Bashar al-Assad.
Israeli-Palestinian negotiations are threatened by new settlement plans and a vicious killing of an Israeli solder.
Further, a new trade agreement with 11 Asian-Pacific partners suffered two blows this week with opposition emerging in the U.S. Congress and publication of the secret text of a crucial part of the treaty by WikiLeaks.
John Kerry has more than a few headaches.

REALLY IMPORTANT ACTION MAY COME BEHIND THE SCENES
It has been widely reported that President Obama and the new president of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, are hoping to arrange a “casual encounter” … or perhaps even a formal meeting.
Rouhani won Iran’s presidential poll in June, promising reform and to put an end to Iran’s international isolation.
Indeed, whether it’s a formal meeting or a “chance” encounter in the hallway, any face-to-face meeting between the two leaders will mark an historic breakthrough.
Will a new chapter in the frosty relations be opened?
Stay tuned for breaking news bulletins.