In nearby Saudi Arabia, which is an important player as well as a key moral force in the Arab and Islamic world, there appeared to be a quiet sense of enjoyment over the news.

VOA: standard.2009.10.09

One week after a trip to East Asia that included several days in China, Mr.Obama went out of his way to stress that he also sees India as an important player in international affairs.

VOA: standard.2009.11.25

He noted,however,that the U.S. considers Iran to be an important player related to Afghanistan, and sees the issue as a very productive area for engagement in the future Anticipating President Barack Obama's Strategic Review on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mohammad Mehdi Akhonzadeh said Iran expects measurable change, not rhetoric from the United States.

VOA: standard.2009.03.27