sentences:  Thanks in part to the abilities of Axouch, the new emperor was able to deal with the initial difficulties of asserting his authority over the imperial family without alienating them entirely.Because of this domestic ascendancy John II was able to concentrate on an aggressive foreign policy throughout most of his reign.The emperor was an active soldier, campaigning in the Balkans, Anatolia and Syria, therefore he and Axouch often collaborated in their efforts.