The summit of leaders of Arab countries which takes place today in Saudi Arabia could not be more timely, coming just one day after the United States-led air strikes on Syria.

For the leaders of the Arab League - as the organisation which holds the summit is formally known - are given a perfect opportunity to showcase their unity, and take a fresh look at how they may bring about the conclusion of the seven-year Syrian war, which has already cost the lives of around half a million people, as well as displacing millions more.