Three years ago, the self-immolation of Tunisian hawker Mohamed Bouaziz ignited a much bigger fire across North Africa and West Asia which the world labeled the "Arab Spring". Since that fateful day of Dec 18, 2010, the Middle East has undergone profound changes, with countries like Egypt, Libya and Syria riding a bumpy road toward social and political transition.

Amid the gloom of violence, however, the international community has raised a glimmer of hope by agreeing to seek a political resolution to the regional crisis. Thanks to its efforts, positive signs have emerged in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iran. The international community should seize this opportunity to peacefully resolve the major issues plaguing the Middle East.

After the United States backed off from its avowed plan of military intervention in Syria, efforts to dismantle Syrian chemical weapons have proceeded along the desirable path. With the United Nations playing a leading role, Syria's stockpile of chemical weapons is being dismantled step by step.