The debate about unauthorized immigrants and legal immigrants has until now mostly focused on their impact on US employment and economic growth. However, after the Paris terrorist attack, the issue has evolved into a national-security issue, stirring arguments about America’s core values as a presidential election looms.

The U.S. must shoulder the responsibility of uniting the civilized world against terrorists and extremists, leading an effort to set aside differences among allies so that they can focus on a whole-hearted effort to eliminate this global threat.

There must be a fundamental policy shift embraced by all countries to eliminate the breeding ground of terrorism and violent extremism. Eradicating poverty, achieving balanced global development, strengthening the effectiveness and inclusiveness of global governance mechanisms, and showing respect for the rights of peoples to choose the development road are the essential policy objectives.

If big powers show courage and set aside their differences, and work together in a just, balanced intervention under the framework international law, they will not only help the Syrians out of hardship and avoid long-term instability in the region, they may also find a new way to prevent similar armed conflicts in the future.

Fundamentally, solving the refugee crisis cannot only rely on having more police, more funds, or more physical walls and fences separating the migrants; the root cause of chaos in the Middle East and North Africa must be eliminated.

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.

American military interventions in the Middle East have played a big part in creating the problem, and Washington owes it to the world to be a leader in solving it.

While helping the people in the Middle East fleeing from conflict zones, the more important thing is to address the refugee issue from the root. The UN must play a leading role in promoting reconciliation in the wake of failed and arrogant US policies in the region, so that the Middle East can move toward stability that will allow its people enjoy a normal life.

Following the second round of talks in Geneva, Wu Sike explains the urgent need for the international community to find a peaceful resolution to Syria’s three-year long crisis.

After attending the 9th Manama Dialogue as China’s Middle East envoy, Wu Sike reflects on the meeting’s departure from previous years, the Syrian crisis and China’s increasing role in the Middle East.