The Syrian National Dialogue has begun in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. However, the conference -- which is aimed at ending the country's seven-year civil war -- has been diluted somewhat, by an opposition boycott, and a decision by powers such as France, the UK and the US to stay away over what they say is the Syrian government's refusal to properly engage. The gathering -- co-sponsored by Russia, Turkey and Iran -- is expected to discuss the formulation of a new constitution, presidential elections and the reconstruction process.