Writers : What is happening in Syria is a war , but international legal experts refuse to call it that . Legal experts say it 's not a war because the opposition is n't well - organized . If it 's determined to be war , then the law of war applies , they say , even to an internal conflict . Writers : The law sets standards to restrain violence , protect life , prevent suffering .
Writers : What is happening in Syria is a war , but international legal experts refuse to call it that . Legal experts say it 's not a war because the opposition is n't well-organized . If it 's determined to be war , then the law of war applies , they say , even to an internal conflict . Writers : The law sets standards to restrain brutality , protect civilians , minimize suffering .