Firstly, there is very little information given about the source of the information.  What evidence was there?  How was it obtained?  Does the US have any vested interests in the outcome of the proposed airstrikes?  Could the US have been deceived by sources within the country who may be seeking external allies?  I would want to know more rather than simply accepting what they have said at face value, especially given other, similar events. Further, what other options have been explored prior to proposing these strikes?  I believe that military action, especially given its inevitable direct & indirect consequences for civilians, should always be a method of last resort.  There is no mention of any discussion regarding the imposition of sanctions, such as restricting trade in the precursors of chemical weapons or attempting to restrict the finances of the regime to bring about change (successful in the case of Apartheid).  There is no mention of any attempt at direct diplomacy either. Another cause for concern is lack of involvement of the international community.  The article does not state whether the action was supported by the UN, for example.  I am deeply uncomfortable with countries such as the UK and US acting unilaterally on such matters, when there exists an appropriate forum and process by which to address them legally.  While it may occasionally be the case that inaction by others may give one the moral imperative to act, doing so without first exploring all legal options is simple vigilanteeism. Finally, given that the country does not appear to be ready for democracy, it is unclear what the action would actually achieve.  It would certainly come at a high cost, especially for the local people who would likely suffer considerable disruption to their daily lives due to damaged infrastructure as well as much higher casualties than our own troops would face.  However, if not deposed, the current regime may well conduct further attacks on the local population in retribution.  If the rebel group did manage to capitalise on the strikes to depose the current dictatorship it is unclear whether this would leave a power vacuum, with many years of civil war and rival factions fighting for control, or a new regime which could be even worse than the previous one.  Our troops may be forced to remain in the country for an unspecified period of time, or withdraw and be blamed for the humanitarian crisis that followed their departure.  Whichever way you look at it the local popuoation would likely not thank us for intervening.