Spectator debate: Assad is a war criminal — the West must intervene in Syria

With further reports today that Bashar Assad is deploying chemical weapons in Syria, the prospect of intervention looms larger than ever. The EU is talking about lifting its arms embargo (at Britain’s insistence) and France’s foreign minister talks about “stronger and better substantiated indications of the local use of chemical arms”. Barack Obama has indicated that the use of chemical weapons would trigger American military action – but he’ll be aware that intervention in Syria is deeply unpopular in America. He’d have not much to gain, and rather a lot to lose. But should the West go ahead anyway?

On Monday 24 June, The Spectator will hold a debate at Savoy Place in London to discuss. Speakers will include Sir Andrew Green, former UK ambassador to Syria, Dr Halla Diyab, a Syrian filmmaker and Douglas Murray, Spectator contributing editor. The motion is: ‘Assad is a war criminal – the West must intervene in Syria.