Peace talks on Syria, which started Wednesday in Montreux, Switzerland, mark the first step towards a feasible and non-military resolution to the escalating conflict.
The United States, boasting of being the main propelling force behind the Geneva II conference, as it is known, was poised to steer the talks in a way based on its own perspective and interests.
On the eve of the conference, the U.S. popped up to oppose the U.N.'s invitation to Iran, in a bid to rule out any dissent from within the region.
This reminded others of the self-conceived stance of the U.S. at the start of the crisis, when it threatened to resort to military action against Syria based on allegations the Syrian government had used chemical weapons.
The U.S., however, gave up this objective in the face of strong opposition from Syria, Russia, and China, realizing military intervention might result in a chaotic outcome that could see chemical weapons fall into the hands of terrorists.
It is unsurprising the U.S. policy on Syria proved to be unfeasible, as it was out of step with the common wish of the Syrian people for peace and stability.
Now consensus has been reached that a political solution is the ideal way out, especially for a stalemate such as Syria, the U.S. must show its willingness to promote enduring peace in Syria by taking a just, balanced and impartial approach.
The result of the political means must be broad-based and inclusive, so the interests of all parties in Syria, who differ in their ethnicity, gender and religion, are taken into consideration.
The role of the U.S. in Syria was not welcome, but it has every chance to correct its arbitrary and biased approach through its actions at the Geneva II conference.
The Geneva II conference, an outcome of a joint wish for peace, offers an important opportunity to promote the political settlement of the Syrian issue.
With the window of opportunity open, Syria needs favorable conditions and a supportive external environment, not the external imposition of political solutions on Syria.
The U.S. must listen to the demands of all parties concerned, and promote a political transition process in Syria, the hope for realizing peace in Syria.
After all, only Syria can decide its future, and the destiny of Syria is in the hands of the Syrian people themselves.
It is imperative for both parties to reach an inclusive political transition process and oppose terrorism and restore stability and order in the region, with a benign environment created by the U.S. and the international community.
