obama of backing down, even helping assad butcher his own people. >> the shameful way that the world community accepts the impunity of the butcher of syria is a blot on the conscience of the world. >> reporter: furious that the u.s. did not carry out its threat to retaliate, the saudis shocked the u.s. by refusing a seat on the u.n. security council in protest. >> i think there is doubt whether the united states is really paying attention, really knows what it wants to do. >> reporter: the saudis and israel also worry about iran. is the u.s. too eager for a nuclear deal, too easily charmed by iran's new president, rouhani. >> i think no deal is better than a bad deal. i think a partial deal that leaves iran with these capabilities is a bad deal. >> reporter: secretary kerry said this week that the government shutdown made allies around the world ask, will america be a credible partner in the future? key allies say they're more