The Sin Bin • Re: T. May the worst prime minister ever ?

Chemical weapons are illegal. Bombs and bullets aren't. The use of chemical weapons violates international treaties and international criminal law.

I will go so far as to invoke Godwin's: even Hitler refrained from using chemical weapons on the battlefield.

Actually, I agree with you in principle. Assad is an animal and has been slaughtering his people for years. Stepping in just because the weapon has changed seems hypocritical. But at the same time ignoring a violation of international law sets a dangerous precedent.

The last thing the region actually needs is Assad removed from power. As has been proven elsewhere, a power vacuum in the Middle East is a great opportunity for the extremists. Even Saddam Hussein, as bad as he was, kept the radicals in check.

I expect Putin's response will be to target Western allies fighting Assad.