Syria: should we intervene?

Syrians protest in the city of Banias holding up a sign that reads in Arabic, "The first results in lifting the state of emergency is over 100 deaths," on April 26, 2011.

The violence in Syria has continued this week -- coming after last Friday's spike that saw more than 100 people killed. The government of Bashar Al-Asad is cracking down on protestors in a number of towns throughout the country. According to witnesses, Syrian forces have detained hundreds in raids -- in the last few days alone. Leaders at both the European Union and the United Nations will meet on Friday to debate options for the region. How should NATO and the US in particular respond to the growing violence in Syria? Should the U.S. recall its Ambassador in Damascus? Would sanctions have any effect? What standard do we apply for intervention given our current involvement in the conflict in Libya?

The violence in Syria has continued this week -- coming after last Friday's spike that saw more than 100 people killed. The government of Bashar Al-Asad is cracking down on protestors in a number of towns throughout the country. According to witnesses, Syrian forces have detained hundreds in raids -- in the last few days alone. Leaders at both the European Union and the United Nations will meet on Friday to debate options for the region. How should NATO and the US in particular respond to the growing violence in Syria? Should the U.S. recall its Ambassador in Damascus? Would sanctions have any effect? What standard do we apply for intervention given our current involvement in the conflict in Libya?

Guest:

Jennifer Windsor, Associate Dean of Foreign Service, Georgetown University

Danielle Pletka, Vice President for foreign and defense policy studies, American Enterprise Institute