Far away from all the will-she-won’t-she over Hillary Clinton, in Moscow, Dmitry Medvedev was today sworn in as Russia’s President. Hours later, the White House, with exquisite tact, issued its delightful welcome: “Back off”.

“Obviously we’re very concerned what Russia is doing in Georgia in a series of actions which we have labeled and said are provocative,” said White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley.

“We think Russia needs to back down from those items”.

The Bush Administration’s fierce protection of Georgia’s interests is part of its wider policy of limiting Russia’s “sphere of influence” as much as possible. Is this wise? Daniel?

Goodness knows how Medvedev will behave on the international stage. Even experts profess themselves baffled. But shouldn’t America have trodden a little more lightly during his first 24 hours in office?