The U.S.'s new policy means that it will be more willing to accept lower objectives in the Middle East. To put it another way, the U.S. will be more likely to accept more realistic goals. Before, it promoted democracy, hoping Arab countries would copy its own political system, but now it seems as if it will accept any regime.

The U.S. has never been more willing to accept resolutions with modest requirements. It agreed to a destruction of Syria's chemical weapons in lieu of military action to punish Assad for the Ghouta chemical attack on civilians. It is increasingly likely that the U.S. will have to accept a Syria with Assad in power.

Regarding Iran, under the interim agreement signed last month, Iran can continue its enrichment program, albeit at a capped level and under heavy monitoring. But 10 years ago, the U.S. would never have allowed Iran to have any kind of nuclear capability.

The U.S. also reportedly will broker only a diluted deal between Palestinians and Israelis, instead of a comprehensive and final solution.

A reactionary U.S. is a reflection of the country's decline. No longer will it use military approaches, which demand a lot of resources, to Middle East issues. Instead, the U.S. will likely employ diplomacy and economic sanctions to achieve its objectives.

It is mainly by diplomacy that the U.S. achieved its goal of removing Syria's chemical weapons. It used sanctions, together with negotiations, to reach the deal on Iran's nuclear energy program. These two breakthroughs will encourage more use of diplomacy and economic sanctions.

A reactionary U.S. will also change how it interacts with China on Middle East issues. It will be more willing to listen to China as a major player in the region. For instance, the plan to destroy Assad's chemical weapons was first proposed by China and Russia. The U.S. will continue to ask China to play a bigger role in regional security issues.

Being reactionary does not necessarily mean that the U.S. will not care about Middle East issues, but requires it to encourage other powers to share responsibility.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://china.org.cn/opinion/jinliangxiang.htm

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.