Can Assad Keep Crossing the “Red Line”?

Major international powers have intervened in Syria’s civil war with the hopes of ending atrocities, extremism and a flow of refugees. But countries disagree about a role for Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. Unconfirmed reports allege that Syria did not eliminate all its stockpiles of chemical weapons, as agreed in 2013, and Assad’s troops have since used nerve gas against Islamic State fighters. “Chemical weapons have become part of ‘the new normal’ in Syria, according to a report in February by the Syrian American Medical Society,” explains David Ignatius in his column for the Washington Post. “The group said that in 2015, there were 69 chemical weapons attacks in Syria, mostly chlorine bombs dropped by Assad’s air force.” Ignatius expresses frustration that the United States focuses on a diplomatic resolution, including coordination with Russia on targets. He raises questions with few recommendations. The war is a quagmire, treacherous for Syrians and the region, with tragic consequences whether Assad remains in control or not. No easy solutions are in sight. – YaleGlobal