Put your NatSec hat on and come over and read...

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by spence

Sure it does. It helps eliminate one of the last pockets of opposition and allows Russia to stir the pot and create more pressure on the US. The risk of a response, even a coalition led response that could depose Assad is really pretty low.

If Assad is responsible for the gas attack - like his previous gas attacks, particularly since winging the documents regarding use and inventory of chem weapons, the penalty must be severe. I do not believe Russia when they say it was a false flag crap.

All that said, Syria is not wort starting WW3 over. Though keeping Russia in check - a must - will raise those risks.

Originally Posted by spence

There's also the scenario where the attack was carried out by the Deep State to bait Trump into war with Syria