In the Middle East at the end of 2012 what was not a major US concern?

Answer 1

At the end of 2012, a major concern for the U.S. in the Middle East was not the rise of extremist groups like ISIS, as it had not yet emerged as a significant threat at that time. Instead, the focus was more on the ongoing Syrian civil war, Iran's nuclear program, and the ramifications of the Arab Spring. Additionally, U.S. relations with Egypt and the stability of the Gulf states were pressing issues. Overall, the immediate threat of a unified jihadist movement was not a primary concern at that juncture.