The World Is Watching President Obama's Next Move

Chemical Weapons In Syria -- The Economist

America needs to take action against Bashar Assad

BARACK OBAMA has long said that America would regard the use of chemical weapons in Syria as crossing a red line: if Bashar Assad deployed them, in other words, the United States would intervene in Syria’s civil war. Now evidence is mounting of such a crime. If it proves solid, Mr Obama’s reaction will show Mr Assad, and the rest of the world, whether American threats are to be taken seriously.

Chemical weapons are not much use on the battlefield, but they can demoralise the rebels and spread terror among the population. They may have an indirect purpose, too, for Mr Assad. If he uses them and the outside world fails to take action, his supporters are likelier to conclude that he will stay in power and his opponents will lose faith.

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My Comment: Because of President Obama's "red lines" and threats of intervention .... we are where we are today. As to what is my take .... Michael Burleigh's commentary on Western intervention is where I stand today. The situation in Syria is horrific .... but sending Western troops in would be a catastrophe.