Experts say the United States, overstretched militarily and diplomatically in the Middle East, needs to refocus its Asia-Pacific strategy to reverse a slide in its influence over the region.

Since cutting ties in 1979, U.S.-Iran dialogue has been sparse and largely fruitless.

After more than three decades of existence, the Group of Eight (G8) is struggling to defend its relevance amid criticism of its limited membership and lack of a compliance mechanism.

The Obama administration says its 2009 stimulus package saved jobs and boosted growth, but Republicans and some economists worry it dampened consumer and business spending and added to long-term debt.

Western Europe’s burgeoning Islamic population continues to spark concerns about Muslim assimilation and a cultural divide.