June 18, 2012 -- Updated 2144 GMT (0544 HKT) NEW: Iran and trade also are discussed by the two leaders Obama says they agreed on a need to end the violence in Syria and prevent civil war Putin says he and Obama found many "commonalities" Syria exposes cool spots in U.S.-Russia ties The meeting on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico, was the first time Obama and Putin held face-to-face talks since Putin returned to the president's office earlier this year. Speaking first, Putin thanked the United States for helping it join the World Trade Organization last December. Obama later said he would work with Congress to strengthen Russia's trade status with the United States, adding that the two nations will disagree on some issues and must "find constructive ways to manage through any bilateral tensions." Earlier Monday, veteran Sen. John McCain said the Obama administration "in its desperation" appeared to be placing its hopes for a resolution in Syria on persuading Russia to push al-Assad from power. "Russia is unlikely to ever support a policy of regime change in Syria," said McCain, R-Arizona, in remarks at the American Enterprise Institute. January 17, 2012 -- Updated 2248 GMT (0648 HKT) CNN's Nic Robertson reports from a small town in Syria that is under siege and tempers are boiling. January 24, 2012 -- Updated 1810 GMT (0210 HKT) Syria has become increasingly polarized, says Nic Robertson. That leaves many in the middle who want change but don't want uncertainty. January 9, 2012 -- Updated 1837 GMT (0237 HKT) Ever since the Syrian unrest began 10 months ago, it has been difficult for the rest of the world to verify reports from inside the country. January 16, 2012 -- Updated 1017 GMT (1817 HKT) Arab League monitors are attacked from both sides in the uprising in Syria. Exclusive report from Nic Robertson. January 18, 2012 -- Updated 2215 GMT (0615 HKT) Prices for goods skyrocket in Syria, including areas previously insulated from the unrest. CNN's Nic Robertson reports. January 13, 2012 -- Updated 0151 GMT (0951 HKT) CNN's Nic Robertson checks to see if authorities in Homs are complying with calls to abstain from violence. January 12, 2012 -- Updated 1056 GMT (1856 HKT) Nic Robertson reports on the circumstances surrounding the death of a French journalist in Homs. January 11, 2012 -- Updated 2248 GMT (0648 HKT) CNN's Nic Robertson gets a rare look inside Syria's violent and deadly uprising.