From faraway Moscow, he looks into Damascus — the city whose keys and destinies of its people he once held. It is only natural that he rubs his eyes in disbelief.

The long night in Damascus was nothing short of seismic. Opponents could not have predicted the rapid collapse of the Syrian regime. The army was not prepared to fight the opposition advance that was gaining momentum. Russia did not want to get involved and Hezbollah was exhausted.

A home is meant to protect you and your children. It is meant to protect you from rain, storms and fears. It is meant to harbor dreams and safeguard memories. Homes are meant to be there when children go to school and when they get back. Home is your nation inside the nation.

Amos Hochstein, the US special envoy, is in a race against time in Lebanon. A handful of days separate the world from the US presidential elections. The US and the whole world are awaiting the name of the new master of the White House.