While the US can't wash its hands of Iraq completely (Obama stresses the importance of counter-terrorism and containing a civil war), neither can Europe.
These debates involve overlapping disagreements about doctrine (particularly the importance of counter-insurgency), global priorities (Iraq versus Afghanistan, for instance), and resources.
It is very much in vogue for European coaches to talk about the importance of counter-attacking, where opponents have little time to recover to form a block defence, and Dortmund have had a lot of success with this method in the Bundesliga, having scored eight counter-attacking goals this season, just one behind Bayern Munich and Schalke.
During the confirmation hearings, McChrystal discussed US strategy in the region, underlining the importance of counter-insurgency action, military accountability and mitigating civilian casualties.
"Our coach puts a great deal of importance on counter-pressing and winning the ball back to start new attacks," the newcomer said before his debut.
Epoxy resins, epoxy lacquers, and nylon have been found to be of remarkable importance in countering metal corrosion.
Sands stresses the importance of individuals in countering violence, as in the post-second world war creation of the United Nations.
Exchange executives have played down the importance of the document, countering that they would sign a binding lease for the trading complex if only the city would complete a deal to buy the land for the project.
Dan Wong, senior transportation planner at San Francisco International Airport, said the diminished importance of ticket counters would change the look of an airport departure terminal.
