Syria Discussion: Is It Ethical to Intervene in the Conflict?

When — if ever — is it right to intervene in Syria’s 45-month conflict, amid more than 200,000 deaths, the displacement of almost half of the 22-million population, and widespread destruction and deprivation?

And if there is intervention, what form should it take? Only humanitarian aid to refugees outside Syria’s borders? Assistance inside the country? Military support of safe havens and a no-fly zone? Support of insurgents against the Assad regime?

On Monday, the University of Birmingham’s Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security, in conjunction with the Centre for Global Ethics, featured a panel discussion on the tough questions.

See also Syria Special: A Proposal for the Crisis — Safe Havens and “Internal Containment”

Aidan Hehir: Reader in International Relations, University of Westminster (from 3.48)

Rouba Mhaissen: Founder and Director, Sawa for Development and Aid (from 18.41)

Scott Wisor:
Lecturer in Philosophy, University of Birmingham (from 34.12)

Scott Lucas: Professor of International Politics, University of Birmingham, and Editor, EA WorldView (from 41.35)