Residents in Damascus say the palpable tension in the street is easing, now that Western powers are considering a Russian-led diplomatic solution to Syria's use of chemical weapons.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) SYRIAN MAN THAER ABOU AMMAR, SAYING:

"This is obvious from the movements on the markets. God willing, the country is getting better."

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) DAMASCUS RESIDENT RASHID, SAYING:

"Damascus is the same and it is becoming better, better and better."

Agreement among many Syrians, perhaps …

…but in the international community, differences over how to end the standoff over Syria are already clear.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said stripping Syria of its chemical weapons sends a "loud" message to Iran, which Israel believes is pursuing nuclear weapons technology.

(SOUNDBITE) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"The world must make sure that whoever uses weapons of mass destruction pays a price for it