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This R&D provides a general overview of U.S. foreign policy issues.  One of the big themes of 2014 has been the Obama administration’s foreign policy setbacks in dealing with Russia, Libya, the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and Saudi Arabia.  Republicans have taken the administration to task for showing weakness, a charge that the Obama administration and Secretary of State John Kerry deny.  The Obama administration points out that America has improved its ties with Southeast Asian nations, has made substantial progress with Iran over its nuclear program, and has helped facilitate a successful Afghan presidential election.