Syria's Crisis and the Global Response

What is the future for Syria, how will the international community respond, and how will global diplomatic relationships alter as result of these decisions?

The Syria debate continues to dominate the headlines, in the wake of last week’s Commons vote, which for many cast doubt on the UK’s future role as a serious world player. Supporters of military intervention claim that we cannot stand idly by while outrages are perpetrated on the people of Syria, while critics claim an attack has no convincing strategic objective and could well be dangerously counter-productive, escalating violence and conflict in the country and the region.

If Obama decides to go ahead with a US military strike, will it be a punitive or warning measure, or a meaningful attempt to degrade Assad’s military capability? Should the rebels be armed, or will that further destabilise the region and threaten long-term western interests? Should international efforts be focussed entirely on aid for the millions of displaced refugees?

What is the future for Syria, how will the international community respond, and how will global diplomatic relationships alter as result of these decisions?

An expert panel featuring Professor Michael Clarke, director of RUSI, Alison Baily, Middle East analyst, Oxford Analytica and Dr Patricia Lewis, Research Director, International Security, Chatham House gathers to reflect on the Syria crisis and the global response.