Link: BBC Article

Summary: I really like this BBC article because it discusses not only the significance of the suspected chemical warfare attack in Douma, Syria , but the international politics of the response. This is a delicate situation which demands tact, careful thought, and a willingness to discuss the problem with other world leaders. We have Trump, who has showed a lack of ability to do any of those things. Right now the international community is still working to obtain solid proof that the Syrian government did indeed use chemical weapons, but early reports from US officials and others seem to indicate that is the case. For the West, especially France, the UK, and the US chemical attacks in Syria were the threshold for getting involved there. Russia is a major ally to the Syrian government, and definitely does not want the West to get involved. French President Emmanuel Macron is in a particularly difficult position, as after his election only a year ago he announced that any use of chemical weapons in Syria would result in "an immediate response" and, calling out President Obama five years ago, called those who failed to act on their red lines "weak".  Trump has been very ambiguous about possible US action, first promising missiles, but now saying that he needs to meet to consider the matter further.  UK prime minister Theresa May and Trump have already spoken regarding the issue, and Trump is slated to speak with President Macron soon.  Russian ambassador to the UN has stated that Western action is Syria so against Russia that he "cannot exclude" the possibility of war.

Questions:
1. Do you think that France, US, or the UK will act independently, or will they decide to pursue the same course of action? What would the consequences be if someone "broke rank" and went against the group?
2. What do you think the Russian response to the West getting involved in Syria?
3. How well do you think President Trump is handling this crisis?