With US strikes against Syria still looming, a ray of hope has emerged that might help avert them, as members of the international community, the United States and Syria included, have responded positively to a Russian proposal that the Middle East country place its chemical weapons under international control.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested that the chemical stockpiles of the Syrian government should be put under international observation, and that Syria should fully join the treaty prohibiting the use of chemical weapons.

Syria has welcomed the proposition, while US President Barack Obama described the Russian offer as a "positive breakthrough" in a series of television interviews on Monday night. He said plans for a strike would be put on hold if Syria moves to hand over its chemical weapons, and in light of this new development the US Senate has postponed a crucial vote to authorize military action that was due to take place on Wednesday.