There really is no legitimate doubt that it was ******* Assad and his regime that committed the chemical attack atrocities. The evidence may be "circumstantial," but it is nevertheless still crystal clear, compelling and totally convincing
Yes, there is doubt. We have just as many conflicting reports, interviews and videos as we have "proof". Face it, there is no proof and beating those who refuse to fall silent regarding the no proof in the face of the power establsihments continued, never dying assertion to the contrary doesn't change that.
You have no proof of Assad's guilt. It is just as likely that the rebels used them based on what we know. To claim otherwise is simply ignorant and nothign short of belief bias.
To even imagine that it was the rebels that targeted the particular locations hit is silly.
The reason circumstantial evidence can be so powerful is that it forces a little focus.
Assad did it. There really is not any legitimate doubt.
Forget that step. Take it as a given.
Let's say for the sake of argument that you concede that point. You are still free to object to our proposed "response." And such objections can be pretty powerful. If you were to agree that Assad did it beyond question, I am guessing that you would STILL object to lobbing in our missiles. That's fine. My question would then be: why?
And don't assume that I'd agree with your objections or that I'd disagree. I just want to see the positions fleshed out fully and clearly. You and I do not always agree. But I do see you as one of the more intelligent people discussing many of these topics. So, seriously, if we stipulated that Assad is responsible, what is the proper U.S. response? And Why?