Former US Ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk talks to SPIEGEL about how the US's Middle East policy will be different under Barack Obama and why the US needs to reach out to countries such as China and Russia.

 Barack Obama, seen here during his visit to Israel in July 2008, has the potential to reach out to both sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

SPIEGEL: Mr. Indyk, President-elect Obama has so far refused to comment on the Israeli attacks in Gaza. Is that a mistake?

Martin Indyk: Before he assumes the presidency, he can only talk but has no authority to act. Therefore, it is wise to remain silent.

SPIEGEL: What kind of Middle East policy do you expect from him?

Indyk: He will reach out to both sides. America is Israel's closest ally and will remain so. But Obama has the potential to develop much more influence in the region than his predecessors. His narrative as the son of a Kenyan father, his childhood in Muslim Indonesia, his middle name Hussein, his rise to power as the first African-American president on his own merits without wealth or a famous name behind him -- all that deeply impresses the Arabs.