The agreement between the U.S. and Russia on Syrian chemical weapons -- a result of three days of intensive negotiations in Geneva -- marked the conclusion of the latest bargaining round between both giants. This latest development, though temporarily defusing tensions, does not solve the problems in a meaningful way. The Syrian crisis is still very much complicated.

It is true that Russia's proposal to have Syria hand in all chemical weapons put the U.S. in very awkward situation. The proposal greatly undermined the legitimacy of a potential war on Syria, which all the major figures of Barack Obama's administration have been actively promoting. A sudden disruption of the drumming disturbed the rhythm of their proceedings and undermined not only their domestic image of resolute leadership, but also their credibility with major allies such as Israel.

Despite the initial difficulties, the U.S. has actually gained much during this round of the games. Through the Russian proposal and the ensuing agreement between both nations in Geneva, a direct outcome of both a military threat and overall pressure, the U.S. has been able to list the disarmament of Syria's chemical weapons on its global agenda. Syria has previously admitted to possessing chemical weapons, but has never been committed to eliminating these.

Washington's gain certainly stretches beyond that. By maintaining diplomacy in the Syrian chemical weapon issue, the U.S. has enhanced its role of responsible world leader. Whatever intentions the U.S. may have, this should be a great contribution from the U.S. to the world. Responsible state actors and people with a sound conscience all understand that the use of chemical weapons and other WMDs is inhumane and the possession of such weapons immoral -- despite the fact that many countries do possess them and even more destructive ones such as nuclear weapons.

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