President Bush earlier chided Russia for Cold War-style behavior in its territorial conflict with Georgia, accusing it of "bullying and intimidation" as international pressure grew on Moscow to withdraw its troops from the region.

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For three years or so, many U.S. and Asian officials have attributed China's more assertive behavior, especially on territorial issues, partly to military hawks exerting pressure on a weak civilian leadership through the media, academia and informal lobbying channels.

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On a vast array of issues ranging from human rights to Iran to the territorial integrity of the post-Soviet states Russian behavior has consistently been a thorn in the side of the United States and its allies.

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As for Israel, America's behavior towards Egypt should put to rest the notion that Israel can make further territorial sacrifices in places like the Golan Heights and the Jordan Valley in exchange for US security guarantees.

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