Syrian plight

The deplorable approach of the UN Security Council to Syria (Syrians Protest Against Veto, February 6) has to be seen in light of the recent precedent in Libya.

In Libya, the UN Security Council mandate to “take all necessary measures to protect civilians” – rather than confining itself to measures that were strictly necessary to protect civilians – was interpreted more broadly to entail outright regime change.

While the political outcome, on that occasion, was propitious, this questionable interpretation may have served to heighten distrust and diminish support for the doctrine of humanitarian intervention in the longer term.