US’ Diminishing Influence In The Middle East

The United States, previously dubbed a key player in shaping events in the region, is displaying weakness and indifference at a time when the Middle East has found itself in turmoil not witnessed in decades, which threatens to alter the Sykes-Picot borders.

Despite efforts by Secretary of State John Kerry to revitalize dormant peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians or engage more positively in the Syrian crisis, it is becoming clear that he lacks the presidential sway to make things happen.

Unlike the conventional belief that second-term presidents are able to take bold decisions in domestic and foreign affairs after conquering re-election pressure, the second Obama term seems far from taking such a stance.

For one thing, the administration is reeling under mounting domestic crises from his first term, from fiscal issues and how to deal with the growing budget deficit, to whether to retain the existing health care program or embark on new initiatives.

In addition, foreign crises, such as the explosion that killed an American ambassador at the US Consulate in Libya, forced the administration to release e-mail correspondence, while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began targeting conservative groups, going as far as monitoring AP correspondence.

MORE...

http://www.arabnews.com/news/452486