Since the beginning of the Syrian revolution, we have heard a never-ending stream of opinions and opinions from analysts and experts about the situation in Syria. We have heard from foreign leaders, political factions, and those engaged in the fighting on the ground. Yet we hear the least from Syrian youth - who initiated the Syrian revolution and make up more than 60 percent of Syria’s population.

Following several weeks of our online debate competition with Syrian youth refugees now based in Turkey and Jordan, Munathara’s ninth debate (#DD9) was held on September 18, 2013, in Istanbul. Arguing against military intervention were Mostafa Alsaied, a Syrian journalist, and Rana Yousef, winner of Musabaqat Munathara #DD9. Opposing the motion were Iman Shaker, a veteran Syrian feminist and writer, and Yara Khalil, the other winner of our online debate competition. The debate was moderated by Egyptian broadcast journalist Karema Awad.

At a time of heightened awareness about the question of military intervention, the debate centered around three topics: First, can foreign military intervention be justified based on the use of chemical weapons? Second, if military intervention were to occur, should regime change be its goal? Finally, what impact would foreign military intervention have on the region?