Foreign intervention can only prolong the misery of Syria
US-led missile strikes after alleged use of chemical weapons by Russian-backed loyalists in Douma will only destroy any remaining prospects of peace
The world has once again failed Syria’s people. Chemical weapons inspectors have finally been allowed by Syrian ally Russia to visit the site of an alleged attack in the town of Douma, 11 days after it was claimed to have taken place.
The United States, which led missile strikes joined by Britain and France on Saturday, contends nothing will be found as proof will surely have been tampered with; Syria and Russia counter that the quest is of no worth as the incident is a concoction of the West and never occurred.
The accusations and counterclaims ignore the 75 people killed on April 7, and Syrian medical workers finding bodies with mouths frothing with foam, cornea burns and discoloured skin.
US President Donald Trump ordered the action on Saturday after Russia blocked a Security Council resolution put forward by the US on April 10 seeking an investigation to identify who was responsible.
All it takes is one of the council’s five permanent members to use the power of veto and Moscow has now done so 12 times since the Syrian civil war began in 2011, although it has supported humanitarian measures and ceasefires.
