Crossword Genius

Middle East abandoned by major power? So it is (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thus

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'so it is' is the definition.
(like so)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thus that I've seen before include "an original Christmas gift" , "Like so" , "In this manner" , "It follows" , "In this way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.