Here's why Trump taking Assad out won't help fix the Syrian issue

Assad's departure should be negotiated with Syrian civil society leadership to legitimize the claim to power of a replacement civilian government

Once again, Syrian President Bashir Al-Assad is accused of using chemical weapons against his own people. Reports from multiple sources detail the attack, which appears incontestable despite Russian denials.

The Trump administration has responded by whiplashing from their stated position that American troops would be withdrawn soon to promising retaliation. Trump told reporters at the White House on April 9 that the US “cannot allow atrocities like that.”

Trump is now promising a “major decision” soon.

Last year at this time, military strikes in response to a Syrian