The Administration finds itself in a series of awkward contrasts. At a time when Secretary of State Rice is visiting Libya to praise its abandonment of its nuclear program, North Korea – once seen as the model for the Libyan decision – is reported to be reassembling its nuclear sites.  Meanwhile at the Nuclear Suppliers Group the US has sponsored a specially relaxed dispensation for India. In Pakistan, the US has welcomed the return of democracy but feels uncomfortable with the personalities who have emerged. One senior Pentagon contact described the newly-elected President Asif Ali Zardari as “odious.” Washington is therefore once again looking to the Pakistani military as its main conduit of influence. US Special Operations attacks into Pakistan will continue. In Iraq the White House is relieved at the return of stability but is concerned that an increasingly assertive government in Baghdad may produce a premature withdrawal of US troops. This pattern continues over Russia. In terms of rhetoric, the Administration is following a unified line of criticism.  This conceals sharp divisions about the correct policy response. A National Security Council official told us: “We cannot decide whether Russia’s actions are an aberration or whether our relations with Moscow need to be completely reviewed. In the meantime, our response takes the form of gestures like our aid package.” We are told, however, that a full review is underway regarding US policy toward energy pipeline routes in Central Asia. This is an area to which we have long drawn attention as a flashpoint in US-Russia relations. This sense of policy hesitancy continues regarding the Middle East peace process where State Department officials privately tell us: “we are exhausted. We are like the walking dead.” The question of possible Israeli action against Iran continues to cause background anxiety.