This refers to the news report “Obama says Bashar Assad must go; pushes campaign against Daesh.” (Sept. 30)

At a counterterrorism summit, which US President Barack Obama held at the United Nations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to “take stock of the one-year air war against Daesh fighters in Iraq and Syria.”

It is nothing but a sad reflection on the bankruptcy in the world leadership.

The US failed to take action against Syrian President Bashar Assad on time, particularly when it was found that he used chemical gas against his own civilians. Russia took full advantage of the situation and advanced into the Middle East territory making its presence felt countries like Iraq and Syria. This goes to benefit Syria and Iran. While it neutralizes the US impact in the region, it at the same time props up Syria and Iran, much to the chagrin of the neighboring countries.

I am sure Iran, in times to come, will outplay Israel in creating troubles in the region, the signs of which we are already having from its uncalled for reactions to the stampede at Mina, which is unfortunate and ominous.

Leaders have their own moments. They make history when they take a right decision at a right time. That opportunity Obama has missed, messing in the process a whole issue that is affecting the country as much as the region and the world in general.

Therefore it sounds hollow that the US has the temerity to organize a meeting to take stock of the situation in Syria.

The problem is that in this leadership-deficit world, the men with menacing agendas are advancing to fill the vacuum. — Shahid Rahman, Dubai