Changes in Washington

The Munich Security Conference has paved new paths for the United States. For the first time in a long time, the United States promised to not only listen but to help with the global problems and to work more closely with Europe. It also promised to smooth things over with Russia, not promising to come to complete agreement over everything, but rather to come to agreements when they can. America's new found generosity and concern does not come without a price tag as BBC's article put it, for the United States is asking for help with closing Guantanamo Bay as well as to consider force when necessary to deal with global issues. The international community is a little hesitant of the United States and this sudden change of mood, but is interested to see where it will lead. Even in Russia where tensions have been high, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivano called the change the United States' is expressing an inspiring optimism.