America’s Diplomatic ChallengesVocabulary and Expressionscombat mission

America’s Diplomatic Challenges
   A new year joins new challenges to old ones. Many disputes between countries — and between governments and rebels — continued throughout last year. And they continue as this year begins.
   In December, Mr. Obama marked the end of America’s longest war. After more than 13 years, America’s combat mission in Afghanistan will be over. But the Department of Defense says that does not mean America will no longer help Afghanistan.
   More than 10, 000 American troops will remain in Afghanistan this year. They will help the Afghanistan air force. They will train Afghan troops. And they will help fight terrorists. The Afghan troops need the help because Taliban fighters have increased their attacks.
   In Iran, the United States and five other world powers will continue to try to reach a nuclear agreement. A November deadline passed without an agreement. Now, negotiators are hoping to reach an agreement by July. Secretary of State John Kerry says the negotiations will be difficult.
   He said that these talks aren’t going to suddenly get easier just because we extended them. They’re tough. And they’ve been tough. And they’re gonna stay tough.
   Experts say the new, Republican-controlled U. S. Congress could make it more difficult for President Obama’s foreign policy team to be successful. The Republicans are the opposition party to Mr. Obama’s Democrats.
   The United States has already placed sanctions on Russia because of Russian support of Ukrainian separatists. The sanctions have hurt Russia’s economy and reduced the value of its money. But American officials say they do not want the Ukraine conflict to stop the U. S. and Russia from having a good relationship.
   The U. S. says it would end sanctions against Russia if it meets conditions, including withdrawing its troops from Ukrainian territory.
   The U. S. also faces challenges in its relationship with North Korea. Investigators in the United States blamed North Korea for an attack on the computers of Sony Pictures Entertainment in November. President Obama answered with new sanctions against North Korea. So the relation between the U. S. and North Korea is likely to deteriorate. It was the first foreign policy decision he made in the new year.