Trump drew a red line on Syria — but Russia looks set for massive retaliation this time

Sputnik/Mikhail Klementyev/Kremlin

• President Donald Trump warned Syria, Russia, and Iran against "recklessly attacking" the last rebel stronghold in Syria, but Russia started airstrikes by the next morning.
• Trump has ordered strikes on Syria in response to chemical weapons use in the past.
• But this time Russia looks to have forecasted its use and made plans to fight back against a US strike.
• The US can probably still attack Syria, and Russia wouldn't do anything about it, but any hope for Syria's civilians has long gone.
• Russia, Syria, and Iran seem close to ending the war on their terms.
• The best the US can offer now is punitive strikes in response to chemical warfare, and thoughts and prayers for the families caught in the crossfire. 

---

President Donald Trump warned Syrian President Bashar Assad, Russia, and Iran not to make a "grave humanitarian mistake" by "recklessly attacking" the last rebel stronghold in Syria's seven-year long war on Monday — but Russia started airstrikes by the next morning.

Trump's warnings carried echoes of the past two Aprils, when the US acted on information that Syrian or Russian warplanes had used chemical weapons on civilians, and responded with missile strikes against Assad.

See the rest of the story at Business Insider

NOW WATCH: INSIDE WEST POINT: What it’s really like for new Army cadets on their first day

See Also:

• Putin made a telling blunder in a shouting match with Ukraine's president, France's Hollande says
• Russia and China are preparing for a nuclear war with their biggest ever war games
• Russia sent a massive naval armada to Syria — and looks to be readying to fight the US

SEE ALSO: Putin made a telling blunder in a shouting match with Ukraine's president, France's Hollande says

from Business Insider https://ift.tt/2oDJx7B