The recent feud between Saudi Arabia and the US is an example of the Obama administration's failures. Saudi Arabia rejected a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council because it was angry with the US for going back on its promise of taking action against Syria for the chemical weapon attack in August. This is a disturbing development for the US administration because it needs Saudi Arabia's cooperation to achieve its goals in the Middle East. Besides, whether or not the US can mend fences with Saudi Arabia will have an impact on the American policy in the region.

While the US' leading role in the region remains intact, its foundation has begun to flounder in recent years, especially after the "Arab Spring" swept the region. The change of regimes in countries like Libya and Egypt has failed to impress many American citizens. And the US' intervention in Middle East affairs has made it increasingly unpopular in the region.

On the other hand, to push its "pivot to Asia" policy, the US has diverted diplomatic resources from the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region, which has made its Middle East allies uncomfortable and unhappy.

Unless the US makes some major changes in its Middle East policy, it will find it difficult to realize its goals in the region. Until then, its high-ranking officials, Kerry included, will have to spend a lot of their time and energy to cope with challenges to help the US maintain its leading role in the region.

The author is a senior writer with China Daily. wanghui@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 11/23/2013 page5)