There’s a bear in the woods.
He was pretty obnoxious in 2014. Most notably, he decided to expand his range into Ukraine, thereby causing widespread chaos and misery. This year, however, he has been much better behaved. He hasn’t made any effort to gain more territory in Ukraine, he has started to become friendlier in Syria, and he was downright cuddly in Iran.
Has the bear learned its lesson? Has he decided the tourists will give him more food if he stops growling at them?
It’s too early to tell.