Asmall team of chemical weapons specialists entered Syria last week and began the critical task of dismantling that country's chemical weapons program and stockpiles. Fulfilling that assignment will not be easy.

There are no doubt compelling rationalizations — in the minds of the Syrian leadership — to have such an arsenal. And a civil war continues to be fought, creating an environment that makes implementation of the team's task, no matter what Syrian intent, extremely difficult.

The successful completion of this mission is vital, however, as the ghastly films of the chemical weapons attacks earlier this year make appallingly clear.