Finance & economics | Little Satan

America’s economic might gives it little sway in the Middle East

How its influence has declined over the past three decades

Secretary of State Antony Blinken talks to the media as he departs Turkey
Image: Getty Images
|Istanbul

For the past month, American diplomats have been trying to stop the Middle East from falling apart. Ever since Hamas attacked Israel and Israel retaliated, they have lobbied Jerusalem to allow aid into Gaza, shuttled between Gulf capitals to meet Arab leaders and stopped off in Amman and Cairo to ask Israel’s neighbours to help with refugees and the injured. Antony Blinken, America’s secretary of state, is looking a little tired.

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This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “Little Satan”

From the November 11th 2023 edition

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