US Losing Ground in Middle East Power Game
Rami G. Khouri, American University of Beirut | May 27, 2008
The Qatari-brokered power sharing agreement between Lebanon's feuding political factions puts into perspective the new Middle East power equation, in which the US is no longer a dominant factor and the rules are now being written by regional players. ++ The accord will succeed, precisely because it is grounded in realism and ignores idealistic and unreasonable American demands. ++ Even Israel, America's closest ally, is beginning to override US influence, by initiating negotiations with Syria and Hamas, through Turkey and Egypt, respectively.
