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10 Questions Answered On Syria Airstrikes

Now that David Cameron has publicly laid out his case for launching air strikes in Syria, will the strategy actually help?

:: In one sentence, what is Cameron's plan to tackle IS?

The PM wants to bomb IS targets in Syria while other countries provide the ground troops, ahead of a long-term political solution. That's the aim anyway.

:: How long will action in Syria take?

We have no idea. MPs seem to agree there is no quick fix and lessons need to be learned from other conflicts like Iraq and Libya, where post conflict planning was a problem.

:: Will there be boots on the ground?

David Cameron has ruled out British boots on the ground. He wants to rely on ground troops from Kurdish forces and moderate Syrian groups.

:: What will happen if he cannot persuade MPs to vote for action?

David Cameron says he will only call a vote if he is certain he will win. Remember, though, Britain has already carried out drone strikes against IS targets in Syria so if there is a clear threat to the UK the military may still act.

:: When are they likely to vote on it?

We don't have a specific date yet but it is likely to be in the next couple of weeks.

:: What does Jeremy Corbyn say?

Jeremy Corbyn has laid out seven questions that he wants David Cameron to answer. He said there is no doubt that IS poses a threat to the UK but wants assurances about ground troops and that British involvement will make a difference.

:: How will he vote?

Corbyn has not yet specified how he will vote, but he is a longstanding opponent of British military action in the Middle East and it will take a lot to convince him (that's an understatement).

:: Will Labour MPs agree with him?

In short - no. Labour are very divided on the issue, and it's unclear whether there will be a free vote or if Labour will be whipped to follow the leadership.

:: Will we be at war by Christmas?

There's certainly a possibility that we'll be dropping bombs in Syria by Christmas.

:: Will Britain's involvement make any difference anyway?

With the US, France and Russia already involved, British action will probably not be a game changer. That's why David Cameron is also trying to make a moral case - that it's not right to "outsource" our security to other countries.