The tragic crisis in Syria is giving the world a glimpse of what a multilateral future might look like. Instead of going it alone, the United States has decided to compromise and work with other stakeholders in the international system.

The use of chemical weapons in Syria represents legacies of colonialism and Cold War. In the developed world, Russia’s diplomatic intervention has been seen as a step back. In reality, it heralds multipolar global governance.

The threat of war from the chemical weapons crisis in Syria has waned, but has not disappeared, writes He Wenping. The Putin initiative marked a high-profile return to the Middle East, indicating that Russia has become an important player in the region, and to some extent, a decision-maker.

If Syria successfully gives up its chemical weapons, a precedent will be created for successfully stopping military action, and a new model for major-country cooperation will be set, writes Wu Sike.

US military threats in Syria will further undermine the stability of the region, writes Jin Liangxiang. Though China might not be able to stop US actions, it undermines its intention for cooperation.

China’s sense of vulnerability, not its rivalry with the United States, accounts for its opposition to Syrian intervention.

Will Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize win impact his decision to use military force against the Assad regime in Syria? Ma Jun examines the recent chemical weapon attack against civilians and the issues currently preventing the international community from supporting military action over diplomatic overtures.

Li Shaoxian weighs the risks and potential consequences of a US military strike on Syria, concluding that once there is military intervention the hope for reconciliation will become slimmer.

China is highly concerned about the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria, and supports the UN Secretariat in carrying out an independent, objective, impartial and professional investigation, writes Wu Sike.

It will depend on the US whether Iran-US relations will enter a stage of normalization, writes Jin Liangxiang. The US may not be ready for such a process, though some senior diplomats are once again calling for reviewing US-Iran relations.