The American Administration is frustrated by the reluctance of Middle Eastern states to endorse the American-driven political process in Iraq. The Americans would like to see full diplomatic relations established between the Arabian Gulf states and Iraq as soon as possible. Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said: "''There are countries that support the political process and are opening embassies here,'' he said, a reference to unfulfilled pledges from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. ''We need the others to open embassies here, too. There are some nations that don't recognize our political process and ... are inciting strife,'' he continued. ''I am bewildered by the position of these nations.''"
