The (Ex) Washington Realist

Indeed, nice words are pleasant to hear, but the substance of US policy towards Russia, for instance, hasn't changed one bit. The USG still backs loony warmonger Saak, hasn't moved an inch towards ratifying the CFE Treaty modifications that have been hanging fire for a solid decade, and can't be too happy with the Danes, Finns, and Swedes for approving Nord Stream's environmental aspects.

In other words, there is not the slightest indication that Russian government views and interests are being more accomodated or more seriously listened to than they were by the previous administration.
 

This behavior will eventually result in a major reduction in U.S. credibility abroad which will have serious implications for U.S. diplomacy and national security. Our bargaining positions in international fora and with adversaries will be weakened. Rhetoric can only take you so far. There's always been a substance issue with Obama. Recall this is the man who routinely voted "present" in the Illinois State Legislature because he didn't want to take a position on a contentious issue. Hope and change. Hope and change.
 

Ditto for Iran - it seems that US is unwilling or unable to cast aside the Cold War against that country.