1 modern problems - US decreasing influence in the ME; has a speech
US influence in the region is at a post-World War II low.
America is leaving Iraq and Afghanistan.
we have lost the will
can't afford such battles
power to appear tough
fewer dollars for foreign aid, fewer troops to deploy, and less money to support long supply chains and extended deployments
relative economic clout of the United States in the region has diminished as markets like China and other rapidly growing economies have become more important in terms of energy consumption.
relative political clout of the U.S. in the region has shrunk as, in addition to all the above reasons, emerging powers are playing an ever bigger role and are easier, less-demanding partners