
Although Putin’s statements have been seen as flexible rhetoric, Russia’s policy toward Syria has not changed.

As long as Iran sees itself embroiled in a zero-sum game in Syria, a half-way meeting point, however desirable, will likely remain elusive.

A military strike in Syria will not result in changing the parameters of the conflict and will not result in President Assad agreeing to a political process.

Marwan Muasher and Andrew S. Weiss will respond to questions on the situation in Syria, the likely implications of a U.S.-led attack, and what to expect in terms of Putin-Obama dynamics at the G20 meeting.

For Iran, the Syrian conflict has been a zero sum game, making it difficult to negotiate.

During the G20 summit, the world leaders need to tackle serious economic challenges. At the same time, the abrupt halt to a scheduled U.S.-Russia summit and a potential intervention in Syria have pushed security issues to the top of the summit’s agenda.

As Obama seeks support for a bombing campaign against Syria, the Arab League has held the Assad regime responsible for the use of chemical weapons and called for international action.

A strike against the Syrian government continues to look likely. What is less certain is what kind of strike, with what aims and what sort of strategy, and whether such a strike would put the Syrian conflict onto a truly regional level.

By announcing that he would require congressional approval before taking action against Syria's regime for gassing its own people, Barack Obama took a step that seemed certain to have multiple, potentially profound ramifications.

Barack Obama, known previously for his caution, has decided to take an enormous risk and seek Congressional authorization for a military strike against Syria.