
Different regional actors had different agendas and priorities for the recent Seoul Nuclear Security Summit.

Although Russia seeks to remain the critical broker between Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian opposition, its stance on Syria is beginning to shift as the prospects for Assad's long-term rule diminish.

The Russian government may be changing its attitude towards Syria and penalizing the Assad regime for failing to heed Moscow's advice.

The fact that the Red Cross has appealed to Putin for authorization to provide humanitarian relief to Syria proves that Russia has become an indispensable player in dealing with the Assad regime.

Concern over Iran’s nuclear program often ignores the fact that Iran is still a significant amount of time from actually acquiring a nuclear weapon. This leaves policymakers with ample time to engage in diplomacy and develop coercive sanctions.

Dialing down the rhetoric between Israel, Iran, and the United States is an important component in allowing coercive sanctions and diplomacy to run its course.

In the aftermath of parliamentary elections in Iran, it is increasingly clear that the Iran is now a one party state.

Although Russia has already missed its opportunity to salvage key political and economic interests in Syria, it will likely continue to oppose foreign military intervention and efforts aimed at regime change.

As speculation increases that Iran is inching closer to acquiring nuclear weapons, rhetoric regarding war may just be an effort to strengthen diplomacy.

The Russian government's support for the Assad regime and refusal to endorse UN sanctions against Syria has earned Moscow condemnation from Arab citizens and diplomats alike.