Sir, – I supported the US-led campaign in Libya. I did so because I believe that if civilians are being killed in large numbers by their own government, then other states must intervene. However, in the absence of such an extreme humanitarian crisis, intervention is dangerous and unjustified. That is why I opposed the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, but it is also why I now advocate intervening in Syria. Perhaps 2,000 Syrian civilians have been killed by Bashar al-Assad’s forces since the unrest began some months ago and many more will be killed if the West does nothing.
Credible international pressure must be brought to bear on Dr Assad and his acolytes to stop the crackdown. If they refuse, then military means must be an option.
Liberal democracies cannot be built with guns, but murderous dictators cannot often be defeated without them. Those of us on the left must come to terms with this, or else we will be wringing our hands while thousands more die. – Yours, etc,