The overuse of military forces also produced more violence. The radical forces had been able to take advantage of the chaos to grow its own strengths, and had been able to rally forces in the name of fighting against external invasions. The U.S. military presence and its overuse of force have become a part of the problem.

It is true that the United States, with its 35,000 troops stationed in the Middle East, will still be a single most important player in the region, and the West in general will maintain its influence in the region. But with the collapse of America's unipolar system, the Middle East is urgently in need of a new system and a new pattern reflecting the new realities in regional issues.

It is always a tough job to draw the picture of the future Middle East, but it should be clear that regional powers should take up some of the power vacuum and play a bigger role in regional affairs, while the United States should not be responsible. When necessary, regional powers should be responsible for providing forces in an acceptable way. They understand the local situation better than external powers, and are immune from the accusations of being anti-Islam and of leading an external invasion.

For that purposes, regional powers including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Turkey should first define and demarcate their interests and their roles in the region. And the roles of each of these actors should be recognized through candid dialogue and constructive interactions. The elites of leading Sunni states and Shia states in particular should both be aware that they will have to be inclusive of the positions of the other party.

While regional players should play a bigger role, external powers should also have their due roles. External powers, whether established or newly emerging, have to be very clear that they cannot necessarily defeat a local enemy deep seated at home. Lessons are telling.

But external powers can make contributions by assisting in regional economic development. And the projects and programs that will increase employment should be especially welcomed. With jobs, young men will stay in the office rather than being on the streets or in the battlefield.

External powers can also play a role in bridging the differences between rivalries. Their mediation should serve to promote reconciliation among major regional powers, especially those divided for religious reasons.

All in all, America's unipolar system can no longer address the problems in the Middle East, and is even a part of the problem. The Middle East is in need of regionalism. Such an idea might be na?ve, but, if it is not implemented, then the region will continue to experience turbulence.

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.