Reports Syria Used Chemical Weapons Deeply Worrying

Reports from US and Israeli officials suggesting that the Assad regime may have used chemical weapons against civilians show that the brutal civil war in Syria, which has already taken over 70,000 lives, may be entering a new and even more dangerous phase.

Confirmation of Syria’s use of chemical weapons would constitute a breech of the Obama administration’s “red line” as well as an appalling crime against humanity. These claims must be seriously and speedily investigated and the Syrian government should allow international inspectors into the country.

If the evidence proves credible, the US must mobilize support within the international community—including through the UN Security Council—to take steps to prevent further use of these weapons.

Additionally, the US should continue its unprecedented levels of security cooperation with Israel to ensure that chemical weapons do not fall into terrorists’ hands and are not used against Israel.