TO DESCRIBE the outcome of the WTO meeting in Abu Dhabi as a mere “failure” would be an understatement. The recent 13th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) struggled mightily without doing anything of significance, despite going into overtime. Indeed, the delegates wrestled even to agree on the wording of the customary ministerial communique at the end of the meeting. What came forth was a bland statement, practically devoid of content.

Washington used to set the agenda on easing trade restrictions and promoting global trade since the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the original treaty that established the rules and principles of international trade among its contracting parties.

So it was emblematic of America’s indifference to the recent proccedings that the US Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, chose to depart even before the meeting ended.