The US could be secretly negotiating with elements in the government to take charge. The alternative is state and popular resistance, which sets the stage for more military action and insurgency.
The two appeared to be in lockstep in many areas, but dig deep, and you will see where they don't align. So, what does this mean for the region? Al Majalla explains.
Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will go off what his opposite number in Damascus does, not what he says. In the meantime, Israeli actions make a genuine peace more difficult.