Lessons of a Position

In this position, it is White to play. How he should continue? How should it be evaluated?  The pawn-structure is symmetrical, with the isolated queenside pawns of both colours constituting a key factor.  Who is usually able to profit from such mutual weaknesses?  In the most general sense, the answer is simple and natural: the presence of weaknesses on both sides can be more effectively exploited by the side that is more active.  This very formula points to the connection between static and dynamic elements of the position, and tells us clearly that these elements should always be considered as a whole.  A practical conclusion follows.  White’s advantage consists of two elements: the insecure placing of the black knight (a temporary factor, under the heading of dynamics) and the potential superiority of bishop over knight in certain endgame situations (this is to some extent a long-term factor; it falls to some extent within statics).  In order not to forfeit this advantage, White must act vigorously.  A simple developing move like Rad1 would not be energetic enough here because after ...Qa5! the game would level out.