Syria’s population numbered about 22 million in 2012. By the beginning of September 2013, about 2 million people had left the country, fleeing the bloody conflict. That’s roughly 1 in 10 Syrians.

Do these figures alarm you?

Coupled with the alleged use of chemical weapons, does this ongoing depopulation of Syria warrant U.S. airstrikes?

The Syrian conflict and the alleged use of Sarin gas prompted several values questions this week. We debated the role of the U.S. as the world’s policeman, considered why poison gases are a special crime against humanity, and examined the American people’s opposition to military strikes.

Today, we consider the massive dislocation of the Syrian population.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees tracks the flow of refugees and the Pew Fact Tank reported some key statistics. Consider that, on average, 6,000 Syrian refugees enter neighboring countries every day. The receiving countries include Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, Jordan, and Lebanon.

About 1.8 million refugees are registered with the High Commissioner, with an additional 200,000 waiting to be registered. One million refugees are children under 18. Syrian men and women have fled the country in equal numbers.

Are you alarmed by the vast numbers of Syrians who are fleeing?

Does it change your mind about airstrikes?

What should the U.S. do in cases like this—and why?

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