The deaths of people by chemical weapons is an atrocity.
To the victims, and to humanity, we should try to determine what happened, who is responsible, and how to prevent further uses of chemical weapons.
Those responsible should be held accountable. That no one is claiming responsibility should be the first big red flag, since often those responsible for such acts of war/terror take accountability for their deeds, particularly if they feel justified.
Instead, the details are murky at best, and in hot dispute. Was it the deliberate action or an accident by Assad's government forces/loyalists, or by rebels (of which there are various factions), or could an outside group/nation secretly have been involved?
This is a time when cooler heads should prevail.
While this was a cowardly attack, it was likely deliberately executed. Regardless of who is responsible, the usual partisan chatter has started up, and people from all sides are pointing fingers at the usual suspects, their existing enemies, to score political points and military/financial assistance.
I think it unlikely that any more chemical weapons will be used in the immediate future.
Obama and Putin should take advantage of the G20 to discuss this issue to ensure that the Middle East region does not plunge into an ever escalating war.
ADG