PHOTO: A billboard in Syria with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Assad, and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah


On October 21, the University of Birmingham hosted a discussion among four academics of the issues raised by Russia’s intervention in Syria — and what should happen next.

Even though much has changed in the past two months, the conflict and its core issues remain. So do the questions. Is a political resolution possible? Should Russia’s intervention — and possibly the Assad regime — be supported? Or is there an alternative, such as protected zones, to offer better possibilities for political discussions as well as safe havens for civilians?

The panellists are Stefan Wolff (International Security), Derek Averre (Russian Studies), and Scott Lucas (International Politics). The chair is Berny Sebe (North African Studies).

0:00 — Berny Sebe
10:15 — Stefan Wolff
20:26 — Derek Averre
31:05 — Scott Lucas
40:32 — Q&A