For decades, the US has enjoyed global pre-eminence, with the power to create political and economic order, virtually anywhere in world.   But its influence is declining.  What does that mean for international stability? Also in this edition of Between the Lines, another in Tom Switzer’s occasional series reflecting on the wisdom of decisions taken at pivotal moments in our history. This week, Tom highlights a missed opportunity to strike a grand bargain with Iran in 2003.