In 2011 U.S. will draw less attention to the protracted territorial conflicts, as it is the last year before 2012 presidential elections, said Ariel Cohen, the Heritage Foundation’s leading expert on Eurasia.

According to him, this year will be crucial for operations of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

It means U.S. will have other priorities. Recent statements by Secretary of State Hillary Clinotn made it clear the U.S. will attach less importance even to the Middle East, he said. The expert stressed that protracted conflicts, offer a lower priority for the U.S. administration, especially given the continuing difficulties with the country’s economic situation.