As the possibility of military intervention in Syria remains in the balance, the Sunday Show asked whether military intervention by the West will make a real difference to the situation on the ground in Syria. Indeed, do such military incursions ever have a meaningful effect?

To discuss this issue Shane was joined today by Erin Baumann, lecturer in school of politics and international relations in UCD; Duncan Bullivant, former senior advisor to the UN during the Bosnian & Kosovo conflicts and GOAL media officer David Adams.

The dire humanitarian situation provides both an impetus and a major stumbling block for Western powers. While some form of action by the West appears likely, the panel agreed that a diplomatic solution would be preferable.

With a disjointed opposition and growing consternation in the West, a negotiated settlement appears to be the only hope for resolution. However, as we heard today, these negotiations may have to be forced at the barrel of a gun.

Listen below to the full discussion.