Sergey Lavror's Path to his Career Position

Sergey Lavror is the master of timing. He knows when to use a delay tactic, when to stall, but also when to attack and push for his interest (or/and Russia's). He is the body block for Russia's opposition to American interventionism. Sergey Lavror graduated from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations in 1972 and moved to New York in 1981 to work at the United Nations. He approached the Geneva negotiation as the more experienced, more familiar with issue. He assisted in Iraqi arms inspections, where he has seen biochemical weapons as well as what they can do. What defines Sergey Lavrov as a negotiator is the aura he emits. He is the classic old-timer, a negotiator of the previous era. He is recognizable by his deep voice, bulldoggish appearance and attributes - the cigar and the drink. Even though Kofi Annan tried to ban smoking in the UN Sergey Lavrov persistently defied the ban, noting that Mr Annan "doesn't own the building". He speaks perfect English but still he often refuses to use it, insisting on speaking Russian during the press conferences.

Where Sergey Lavrov is the main player for John Kerry his own position came through years of climbing and falling down from the American political pyramid. He was always a sidekick - a second choice. He is the former Democratic presidential nominee - eventually losing to George W. Bush in 2004. He was not even the first choice for the position he occupies - the Secretary of State. But Barack Obama's first choice Susan Rice has been blocked by Republicans. John Kerry only was approved, cause for Republicans that would mean he would vacate his seat in the senate - giving opportunity for the Republican candidate to fill it.

In a way Syria was a chance for John Kerry to sh...

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... sarin, VX and mustard agents in possession of Assad’s forces. By March 19 2014 nearly half of Syria’s Chemical Arms Supply was removed. Still the operation is as of now in progress.

Best alternative to a negotiated agreement

In this situation the BATNA is clear – if the deal for the disarming of the Syrian’s chemical weapon stockpile could not be reached than the USA military would proceed without the Security Council provision to use military force. Targeted strikes were expected, with missiles and fighter bombings targeting the chemical weapons sites as well as any means to transport or fire them. The Obama administration made it clear that such actions were on the table. He also had the support of the French government, where Francois Hollande was keen to show his strength on the international arena and assert France’s position in the international affairs.