Syria could disintegrate

Aftermath of the deadly car bomb on a Damascus street (EPA)

What's the worse that could happen in Syria, and should America intervene? This week's Economist looks hard at the deteriorating situation in the Levant.

Once the fighting's done, a complete state collapse, along the lines of Somalia in 1991, is possible.

Consequences would be horrific, the editorial states; millions of lives ruined, a fresh base for global jihad created, and shockwaves felt across Middle East.

The plight of Syrians is already dire enough. At least 70,000 lives have been lost, with a further 150,000 to 200,000 locked up by the regime.

Is it time for Obama to take action? Yes, the editorial continues. First "suffering on such a scale is unconcsionable".

Second, America is "likely to be sucked into Syria eventually" - as the region could derail all it's goals in the Middle East, such as containing terrorism and ensuring the supply of energy.

Take a look at the full argument here.