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When future historians come to examine the presidency of Barack Obama, they may notice the odd inversion of U.S. relations with some of its traditional allies, as opposed to its usual rivals.

Mr. Obama has displayed a singular inability to get along with countries, like Canada and Israel, that have long considered themselves among America’s closest friends. On the other hand, the leaders of regimes in Russia and Iran may be reluctant to see his presidency draw to a close.

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Relations between Ottawa and Washington have been on a frosty slope since Mr. Obama’s first, triumphant visit to Canada soon after his 2008 election. Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s vigorous advocacy of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, and Mr. Obama’s equally determined refusal to either approve or reject the proposal, has been the chief cause of conflict, though numerous other issues have widened the divide, including Washington’s reluctance to pay any of the costs of a new cross-border bridge in Detroit – even for its own customs plaza.