Jerusalem, Israel - The U.S. has been defeated in Iraq. This signals the end of America's unilateral political hegemony in the region. It does not, however, end America's influence there. The U.S. will remain dominant but other international powers will gain power over time, capitalizing on a weakened American power.
China is the most likely candidate to sweep into the region, wielding tremendous economic power. China's embassies are already filled with trained, Arab-speaking experts. The country is making slow but sure inroads across the region.
In addition, France, Spain and Italy are moving into the region. Recently, they backed initiatives to hold a peace conference on the Arab-Israeli conflict -- a bold move for Europe. These countries are also capitalizing on America's setbacks.
Seen in this global context, the Iraq Study Group's recommendations reflect a growing realization in the U.S. that they must minimize their losses by recapturing the moribund "peace process".
Meanwhile, the Islamic project -- in its different shades and forms -- rises in response to America's blunders and the Israeli occupation of Palestine. Despite its diversity along with internal contradictions, political Islam has gained unprecedented legitimacy and power. This is due in part to the fact that Islamic groups lead the resistance in Iraq, Palestine, and Lebanon.
Secular forces in the region cannot support Israel and American hegemony any longer; they also cannot accept the ideological premises of the Islamic movements; they are caught in the middle. What's the role of China in all of this?
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