If Bashar al-Assad Uses Chemical Weapons, Should We Intervene in Syria?

[Antonio the Sixth]

Yes, if it is practically possible without involving troops on the ground. Arming the rebels should remain the top options, though.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Yes, if it is practically possible without involving troops on the ground. Arming the rebels should remain the top options, though.

Arming the rebels won't do any good against chemical weapons.

It might reduce the timespan during which Assad can use them.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Yes, if it is practically possible without involving troops on the ground. Arming the rebels should remain the top options, though.

Arming the rebels won't do any good against chemical weapons.

It might reduce the timespan during which Assad can use them.

or it might make him more desperate to use them.

Well, regardless, if the goal is to make him stop slaughtering his own citizens, there are only two ways to achieve it: intervention or arming the rebels. If the latter is sufficient, it is highly preferable. If not, it's time to intervene.