We have known that the ISS has been approaching end of life and attempts are being made to extend usability, but there is only a certain amount of effort that can be made before key components start to fail.

While the Russians (specifically Dmitry Rogozin, the head of Roscosmos) have been increasing the amount of negative press about the Russia/NASA/ESA/JAXA relationship, I view the ISS as an international success and would really like to see Russian involvement continue. It may not be a popular opininion, but I would also like to see international cooperation with China in space. China is clearly charting a course into space and I think it is a shame there isn't a way to coordinate the efforts of all the various space programs.

I’m surprised they aren’t blaming US astronauts for the first problems again.

For the replacement I sincerely hope we go with the original name of the US part. Space Station Liberty. Great name.