if you bomb us shall we not bleed

[Limehouse]

But meanwhile they continue to die!!!

Poisoned (almost certainly by their own dictatorial government).

Is it not better that 1,000 die that 100,000 are saved?

Once again, I refer you to my point number 4. There is no 'meanwhile' about it. Immediate evacuation and aid as described in my point number 4.

Please explain how a military strike will achieve anything, especially if it is not fully known who is responsible for the chemical weapon attacks. And isn't it possible that military strikes may result in more chemical weapon attacks??

[Chris]

Is it not better that 1,000 die that 100,000 are saved?

No doubt it would be better. But what action are you suggesting, and what is the evidence it would save any lives at all?

[Phil H]

But meanwhile they continue to die!!!

Poisoned (almost certainly by their own dictatorial government).

Is it not better that 1,000 die that 100,000 are saved?

[Limehouse]

So in the interests of humanity we do nothing?

No, of course not. Look at my point number 4!!

[Phil H]

So in the interests of humanity we do nothing?

[Limehouse]

If this thread is about whether military strikes should me made on Syria I would ask readers to consider the following points:

1. The chemical weapons used caused high numbers of deaths, horrific injuries and much misery and suffering. Bombings will just add to the misery and suffering, involve more deaths and injuries, destroy homes, schools and hospitals - and achieve what??

2. Since WW2, Britain and America have built huge arms industries (along with France, Germany and Russia). Arms have been sold to countries carrying out atrocities on their own citizens and neighbours without very much thought for humanitarian issues. Frequent conflicts require arms and it is, sadly, in the interests of countries like ours that these are supplied and that sides are taken in these disputes to stimulate the requirement for arms and to justify the retention of armed forces.

3. Very careful and thorough investigations have to be carried out to determine where these chemical weapons came from and who used them before any interventions take place.

4. A properly organised evacuation of children, the elderly and the vulnerable needs to be carried out to minimise their suffering and to keep them safe. Humanitarian aid in the form of safe shelters, medicine, food, clothing, bedding and so on is needed. All our efforts should be directed towards this end.

[Phil H]

Could you not hypothesise that chaos in Syria will anyway be a recruiting and training ground for terrorists? I base my poposal on Afghanistan before the early 2000s when the Taliban were in control of a "failed state".

Do we now base our morality on fear?

If the civil war continues, nasty weapons are used with impunity again and again - and the "civilised" west does nothing - what message does that send to the likes of Iran, North Korea and indeed to Russia?

Phil

[pinkmoon]

If America bombs it will be perfect recruiting material for extremists.....form a disorderly queue please

[pinkmoon]

Bastards been killing his people for past two years all bombing will do is hasten his end then the rebels will start fighting amongst themselves then the fun will start.

[Phil H]

So we should have done nothing about Adolf and let the Jews die - is that what you are saying?

(I recognise that we ddi not go to war with Germany because of their racial policies - but are you arguing that because there was collateral damage in WWII, nothing should have been done?)

Is there no such thing as the just war?

Phil

[pinkmoon]

"if You Bomb Us Shall We Not Bleed?"