However, the latestresearchsuggests that, in Americaat least, housingwealth has a biggerinfluence onconsumptionthan financialassets, and the effectisincreasing.
The vacuum created by an American departure would force nations like Bahrain and Qatar to seek new military protectors, either by submitting to the influence of bigger regional powers or by reaching out to China.
"He'll have much biggerinfluence than most governors if he wants to continue to play on the national scene, " said Charlie Black, a Republican strategist.