We have the satellites which can do this surveillance to an extent, yes, however that only if we know what we are dealing with, so that we can align them over the target area as we don't have enough satellites to provide constant coverage at all times. There's nothing wrong in accepting that US is leader in not only having vast array of satellites constellation but also other sources of surveillance with high degree of information encryption and information fusion to reach a clearer picture thus giving the first mover advantage.
It's not like US is doing this out of charity but mutual benefit as we provide hands on human and technical intelligence in the regions they have difficulty accessing it.