The Syrian regime has sent a letter to UK MPs saying that military intervention in the country would "strengthen our common enemy al-Qaeda".
The letter, which was obtained by Sky News, said:
We ask you to stop the rush to reckless action. It is in your power today to turn Great Britain from the war path and back to the diplomatic road. We hope to meet you upon that road, and to talk, as civilised peoples should.
This is all the more important since, in reality, we face the same terrorist threat. By attacking and weakening Syrian targets and institutions you would automatically strengthen our common enemy, al-Qaeda and its affiliates.