In the past, characterizing as a civil war a conflict in a complex region was a tacit warning that others should stay out.&nbsp;But the civil war in Syria has much broader ramifications, which could lead to a wider regional conflict. Given this looming threat, it is becoming increasingly clear that staying out of the Syrian mess may not be an acceptable choice for countries that have an interest in a calmer and more democratic Middle East.
在过去，在一个复杂区域发生的具备内战特征的冲突其实就是某种沉默的警告：外人不要插手。但叙利亚的内战却有着更加严重的后果，并可能导致一场波及面更广的区域性冲突。考虑到这个不断增大的威胁，我们也应该逐渐明白袖手旁观对于那些对一个更平静也更民主的中东感兴趣的国家来说不是一个可接受的选项。