Obama is on a quest to rebalance American power in the Middle East

http://qz.com/404600/obama-is-on-a-quest-to-rebalance-american-power-in-the-middle-east/

Obama is on a quest to rebalance American power in the Middle East

By Reza Marashi

As President Obama hosts leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE on May 13 and 14, he will surely hear a push from them for a White House plan to contain Iran. However, recent candid remarks from Admiral Mike Mullen should cause America to think twice. Going against conventional wisdom in Washington, the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said: “[A nuclear deal] would also more fairly rebalance American influence. We need to re-examine all of the relationships we enjoy in the region, relationships primarily with Sunni-dominated nations. Détente with Iran might better balance our efforts across the sectarian divide.”

Let that sink in. http://qz.com/404600/obama-is-on-a-quest-to-rebalance-american-power-in-the-middle-east/