Russia, The Place Where U.S. Presidents Get Their Hopes Dashed

U.S. presidents have a tradition of entering office and expressing hope for improved relations with Russia. With near perfect symmetry, this is matched by a tradition of presidents leaving office amid friction with Moscow.

Sometimes it takes years for optimism to turn to disillusionment. In the case of President Trump, there are warning signs after just a few months.

"If we could get along with Russia, that's a positive thing," Trump said shortly after his inauguration. "It would be great."

But as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives Tuesday in Moscow, a place where , the focus will be growing U.S.-Russia tension over their opposing positions in the Syrian war.