Key allies around the world are having doubts as never before about the ability of the United States to protect the free world against the rapidly mounting Soviet challenge. Will Western Europe, Japan and others be forced to defend themselves even in defiance of America? When a football team produces a quick succession of goals (or first downs in the American version of the game), it acquires what is called "momentum" and becomes a real threat. The same is true in the arena of international power politics. The Soviet Union has chalked up some impressive gains recently, mainly in Africa. The geopolitical momentum is clearly on its side. Worst of all, Moscow is becoming emboldened in its drive for world domination. The Soviets have read America's post-Vietnam mood well. They realize that public sentiment plus congressional restrictions practically eliminate the possibility of U.S. troops being dispatched overseas to contest Communist aggression.
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