Inevitably, though, the key deals, which would unlock an agreement, involve cross-negotiation: concessions on one issue are offered up in return for concessions made on others.
Elected in December 2008, Mr. Abdullah, the scion of a Kashmiri political dynasty, presented himself as a fresh, honest face, one who would bring jobs and push New Delhi to make concessions on issues like political autonomy and scaling back the security presence.
Pavel Felgenhauer, an independent analyst in Moscow, says Russia wants concessions on issues such as missile defence and NATO enlargement.
Mr. Abbas has no authority to make concessions on issues like the control of Jerusalem, borders and refugees.
But Mr. Zoellick faces formidable opposition in Congress to concessions on issues like anti-dumping laws and farm barriers.
But peace talks have been at a standstill for 10 months, with both sides reluctant to make concessions on issues like handing over territory and returning refugees.
But in private, some see a bargain: America stops standing up to Russia in Europe, in return for Kremlin concessions on issues that America really cares about, such as a new nuclear-weapons deal.
Shultz and Wolfowitz agreed that Kissinger put too much value on China as a counterbalance to the Soviet Union, with the result that the U.S. bent over backward to preserve "the relationship" by making concessions on issues like Taiwan.
Republicans and Democrats in both houses expressed frustration with Mr. Pataki's handling of the bill, saying that he was trying to use it as leverage to win concessions on issues not directly related to it.
Vietnam is the only developing country in the Trans-Pacific pact, and it had to make major concessions on issues like allowing independent labor unions and ensuring environmental compliance.
