Missiles from three countries — the United States, France and Britain — hit Syrian chemical weapons facilities last weekend in response to the alleged use by Damascus of chemical weapons against its own citizens. While the attacks are punishment for appalling actions by a ghastly regime, they are not a strategy. All governments concerned about restoring the norm that prohibits the use of such weapons must act together to punish transgressors, and they must make this a priority.
On April 7, the town of Douma, in the eastern suburbs of Damascus, was attacked with chemical weapons. The targets were civilians, some of whom may have supported rebels fighting the government of President Bashar Assad, but the victims included many women and children. Outraged by the attack, the U.S., France and Britain launched 105 missiles from planes and ships at three facilities — command centers and production and research facilities — that have been described as "fundamental components of the regime's chemical warfare infrastructure."
A U.S. Defense Department spokesperson said the strikes "set the Syrian chemical weapons program back for years," but they conceded that the regime retains a residual capacity. More important is whether the attacks damaged the Assad government's will to use such weapons. It is unlikely.