“China’s role in hosting the talks that led to a breakthrough in a longstanding regional rivalry highlights the country’s growing economic and political importance in the Middle East, a region that was long shaped by the military and diplomatic involvement of the United States.” NYT (Gift Article): Saudi Arabia and Iran Agree to Restore Ties, in Talks Hosted by China. That these longtime foes are finding common ground is huge geopolitical news. That it’s China bringing them together could be even bigger. A contempt for America’s world leadership is one thing that binds them.