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1. Do no harm
The call for intervention is surely trumped, even on humanitarian grounds, by the principle borrowed from medicine: first, do no harm – or, in this case, no greater harm than already done.
THE MONITOR’S VIEW: What Obama must tell Americans about a US strike on Syria
US air strikes on Damascus and Homs, with every risk of civilian casualties, would almost certainly provoke an enraged response by government forces. A conflict whose flames have already fanned into Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey could well sweep toward Israel (which constitutes the only strategic US interest in the region). An even broader and more perilous ripple effect would be felt if any Russians or Iranians were among the victims of an attack.
David C. Speedie is director of the US Global Engagement program at the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs.
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Spirit In Action 
September 5, 2013 at 9:54 pm
When time permits check out my last post@ Best Moments. I nominated YOU
September 5, 2013 at 11:31 pm
it is such a complex position — do we help Al Qaeda ? Just blowing up things is certain to harm innocents.