The Pope has called the recent use of chemical weapons in Idlib province, Syria, “an unacceptable massacre”.
As the details emerge, reminding us of not just the horror of chemical weapons but also the ruthlessness of governments who are prepared to use them, these words of the Pope and others around the world beg the following question: “Just what are the world’s authorities going to do about it?”
Donald Trump has answered that question. He also condemned the attack, and America has already taken military action. Indeed, if America had acted the last time a “red line” was crossed, perhaps we would not be where we are today. Perhaps, just perhaps, that might have precipitated the collapse of the Assad regime, or at least stopped the regime using chemical weapons again.
