The events of the last ten days have once again focussed international attention on the DRC and lent support to voices clamouring for a review of the existing mandate of MONUSCO and the larger process by which these mandates are concretized.
Despite focused efforts undertaken by China in the aftermath of the 2009 riots, it has not been able to and, perhaps may never be able to, answer the structural problems of the Uighur discontent in Xinjiang.
Climate change discussions may not have collapsed but difficult and bruising negotiations lie ahead and there will be immense pressure on developing countries to accept legally binding cuts.