It's our military and economic power, it's our diplomatic influence.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Monica Crowley, Mightier Pen 2012

George Clooney and other actors and athletes have just returned from a diplomatic mission to countries with influence over Sudan.

NPR: Stars Come Out for Darfur Refugees

For its part Syria is striving to obtain international recognition for Hamas in the hope that it would grant Damascus a position of influence in any future diplomatic process thanks to its close relationship with the Palestinian group.

BBC: Smugglers' alley key to Gaza conflict