The many horrible conflicts around the world that the Times reports about have one common link: stupid, selfish, dishonest, and cowardly leadership. Whether the current leaders are tribal warlords seeking to fund their Swiss bank accounts, ideologues, or heads of organized states currently embroiled in wars, these men (all are men) understand or care little about the people and regions they supposedly "lead," much less their enemies. The al-Malikis,Netanyahus, and their counterparts  lack the greatness of spirit to rise above their selfish concerns. Until the suffering citizens of their states have the good fortune to find greater leaders, like Mandela and deKlerk, or Kagame, the misery will continue. 

It will also continue unless good leaders retain continuing support. Obama, for example, has been hampered, even blamed, because of fanatical Republican opposition and incompetent DemocratIc politicians AND VOTERS. He is a good leader with no adequate counterpart.