The report by United Nations inspectors confirming that chemical weapons have been used in Syria seems to have only intensified the bickering between the United States and Russia.

On Monday, UN weapons inspectors said they had "clear and convincing" evidence that the nerve gas sarin had been used against civilians in a suburb of Damascus last month. But with the identity of the culprit still unknown, as the UN inspectors did not point a finger at anyone, it would be more meaningful if greater efforts were made to quicken steps toward a political resolution to the crisis in Syria under the framework of the UN, so that there are no more attacks using chemical weapons and a lasting peace can be achieved in the strife-torn country.

The international community should take the findings of the inspectors as a new beginning and rally behind the UN, as it is both welcome and encouraging development that the main world body responsible for maintaining international peace and security is once again center stage and leading international efforts to resolve the Syria crisis in peace.