The US, UK and France attacked Syrian military facilities that they
related to chemical weapons production.
At least they made an effort to avoid sparking a war between the US
and Russia, or even Iran.
Seymour Hersh wrote that Assad didn't actually use Sarin gas last
year, and that US intelligence told the bully this, but the bully
refused to accept the facts.
That doesn't prove Assad isn't using chlorine gas now, but it makes
me uncertain about that question. His and Russia's denials are
not credible either.
Either way, I won't shed a tear for Assad's army, which is responsible
for numerous atrocities, in Gouta and elsewhere in Syria.
This limited attack will not have much effect on the outcome of the
war in Syria. It seems clear now that Assad will defeat the Arab
rebels except where they are protected by other countries such as
Turkey or Israel. As the front stabilizes, fighting will wind down.
The one place where I fear fighting might continue is in the Kurdish
enclave of Rojava. The Kurds are the only group in Syria that is
secular and supports human rights — the only one that deserves
support. However, all the powers in the region consider them enemies,
some because they are secular, some they support human rights, and
some because they are Kurds. I fear they will not be left in peace.