Syrian President Bashar Assad’s alleged use of chemical weapons was the predictable result of President Donald Trump’s declaration that he wanted to pull out U.S. troops “very soon” (his advisers persuaded him to at least give them a few more months) and to “let the other people take care of [Syria] now.” And other people did — the Syrian regime with the full support of Russia understands that the United States has no stomach to improve anti-Assad forces’ position on the ground and therefore acts accordingly. Assad saw a green light to do whatever he wanted — and then reportedly barreled ahead.
Jennifer Rubin: Trump’s weakness on Syria opens the door for more chemical attacks
