The hardening conviction among America’s Arab and Israeli allies that the US is no longer a reliable partner in the sinuous intrigues and vicious rivalries of the Middle East is prompting speculation about a Russian comeback there. Last week’s trumpeted visit to Cairo of Russia’s foreign and defence ministers – 41 years after President Anwar Sadat kicked 20,000 Soviet military advisers out of Egypt – is seen by some as a turning point. If so, it is far from clear in what direction Egypt, as well as other disenchanted American allies such as Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Israel, can turn.

The gripes about the US of these regional powers vary, and they do not necessarily all gang up around the same issue. The anger of all Arab countries, as well as Turkey and Iran, about Washington’s all but unconditional support for Israel is an important exception. But Barack Obama has added other reasons, too.

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