battle domestic suspicions over its growing friendship with...
struggle in setting out a new course on foreign policy
unilateral US strikes 单方面打击队伍
deepen apprehension 加重忧虑
the meeting with sb appeared to be in some doubt 是个未知数
raise the stakes 加大赌注
ultimatums 最后通牒
hail 致敬，招呼
confrontation 对抗
Euro-Atlantic area 欧洲大西洋地区
