State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday, "The United States has never been more engaged in more places in the world than it is today."
During a press briefing, CNN reporter Elise Labott pointed to the widespread unrest across the Middle East, including Syria, Libya, and Iraq, and asked Psaki, "I mean, what do you say to respond to critics that say the kind of region in turmoil that we're seeing right now is a direct result of U.S. foreign policy failures?"
"I would refute that completely," Psaki replied, citing "a range of factors", "including the growth of some extremist groups."
"The fact is, there are a range of factors happening in the world that are not caused by the United States, but the United States remains engaged in because we care about the stability in the region as well."
Psaki also praised Secretary of State John Kerry for "his level of engagement," prompting Labott to remark that he often appears to be the only top administration adviser working on foreign policy issues.
"Well, I mean, you're talking about all the stuff that Secretary Kerry did, and that's absolutely, you know, true," Labott continued. "But, like, where are the other top foreign policy advisers in this administration?"
"Obviously he's America's top diplomat, but, you know, there are supposed to be others," Labott said. "I mean, it seems like the bench is pretty thin."
Labott wondered, "Doesn't he think sometimes, like, gee, I could use a little bit of help here?"