Kate Gould and Jim McDermott : Diplomacy in Syria nuclear talks a sprint , not a marathon . Breakthrough could help stabilize Assad , authors say . Iran 's unmatched influence over the Assad regime therefore makes it a critical player in negotiating a political solution to Syria 's civil war . Progress on deal also could reduce bloodletting in Iran , they write .
Kate Gould and Jim McDermott : Diplomacy in Syria nuclear talks a sprint , not a marathon . Breakthrough could help stabilize Assad , authors say . Progress on deal also could reduce bloodletting in Iran , they write .