Russian relations with NATO have tensed up as a result of Moscow’s intervention and squabble with Turkey, as the US re-weighs its core interests and level of involvement on the ground in the region.

Syria’s disintegration exemplifies the eclipse of U.S.-sponsored regime changes, whereas Chinese policy holds the promise of economic development. But time for a global solution is running out.

The award was not an endorsement behind the ideals of the Arab Spring, which has dissolved into chaos. The prize honors the country’s choice of dialogue instead of confrontation, and engaging in negotiation instead of opening fire.

The Arab Spring was neither a transformation from authoritative political system to western democracy, nor a religious “Islamic Awakening.” Dr. Jin Liangxiang describes it as the reconstruction of political legitimacy, and primarily caused due to governments losing their legitimacy by not providing economically for the people. Externally imposed political systems will not solve the ongoing issues, though.

China hopes that Kerry’s recent Middle East visit will herald a new diplomatic approach from the US, and will play a positive and significant role in promoting regional peace in the Middle East, writes Wu Sike.

China and the U.S. are among the major powers with great influence in the Middle East, and the interactions between the two are highly relevant to the prospect of peace, stability and prosperity of the region. Now, that they both adhere to reactive policies in the Middle East, Jin Liangxiang argues the two countries should collaborate in the region.

If Rouhani is going to improve the Iranian economy, then he has to seek the cancellation or at the least the relaxation of sanctions by the West. In other words, the new Iranian President has to be more innovative and flexible in diplomatic policies, including the nuclear issue, writes He Wenping.

The sanctions by Washington are undermining the very goals that it would like to achieve with Iran, while dividing the old U.S. allies and strengthening China’s clout in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia refused to accept the UN Security Council seat as a non-permanent member. Wu Sike argues the decision reflects the growing dissatisfaction of the Middle East countries with the Obama administration’s current foreign policy and proposes China-US cooperation to resolve the conflicts in the region.

The U.S. has relentlessly worked on improving its foreign policies in order to safeguard its global hegemony. Chen Jimin analyzes the framework of the Obama administration’s global strategy.