"The Syrians are equipped with a large military (some 300,000 I believe - more than the UK if reservists are not counted) equipped by Russia with modern technology if not as fearsome as some of the US's stuff. That makes them a harder target for invasion in support of a revolution than Libya. - Richard Bridge

"God is not on the side of the big battalions, God is on the side with the best shots" - so said Voltaire.

Syria armed and equipped by Russia indeed, that must be fairly novel for the region according to all those who swear blind all the arms in the region were handed out by Rumsfeld on his way to meet Saddam.

If the 300,000 Syrian Army (well at least those who have not already deserted) are armed by the best Russia can provide then they have nothing at all in their locker that matches the weaponry of the USA.

Who governs Libya is a matter for the Libyans, who governs Syria is a matter for the Syrians. Sad fact is that when a Government deliberately wages war on its own population the UN by its charter is compelled to act. Russia and China should have that fact explained to them and then be told - "Get with the programme abide by the charter or find yourselves expelled".

Sounds like the "typical" BBC Question Time panel it had only one person with any grasp of what is the right thing to do. The panel members? two politicians, the spin doctor who pushed for action in Iraq, a journalist and a comedian. And it is the comedian who got it right - now why am I not surprised at that - all the others have to be told what to think before they walk out the door.