Moreover, why would they want to do so in response to a civil conflict in a country (Syria) in which no apparent American interests are at stake?

FORBES: Ambassador John Bolton's Curious Plan for Worldwide Chaos and Conflict

To talk about more about the roots of this conflict and the international response, we're joined by two experts on the region.

NPR: Chad Conflict Stirs Global Response

But in this latest stage of the conflict, it is the response of the police that is causing the greatest concern.

BBC: Sao Paulo police at war with prison gang

At an AU meeting in Ethiopia on Sunday, which is continuing on Monday, outgoing AU chairman and Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi criticised the slow response of African states to the Malian conflict.

BBC: Mali crisis: French-led troops 'surround Timbuktu'

All this argues for a cautious response to claims that e-communications abate conflict by bringing mutually suspicious people together.

ECONOMIST: E-communication and society

The Director-General also took part in a round table at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, addressing the psychological and emotional trauma of Syrian refugee children and UNESCO's response in addressing their needs through the development of specific tools for teacher training in post-conflict and post-disaster situations.

UNESCO: Post-Conflict and Post-Disaster Responses

He also appeared to refer to an Israeli military operation in response to a violation of what he termed an Israeli "red line" with regard to the Syrian conflict.

NPR: Hagel: US Committed To Israel's Military Edge