Trump on Syria: Assad has crossed a line

Follwing the chemical attacks is Syria, President Donald Trump said today (Thursday) that "something should happen" with regard to Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad in the wake of this week's the chemical attack, which US officials say he perpetrated.
"I think what Assad did is terrible. I think what happened in Syria is one of the truly egregious crimes. It shouldn't have happened. It shouldn't be allowed to happen," Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "I think what happened in Syria is a disgrace to humanity. He's there, and I guess he's running things, so something should happen."

Earlier (Today) Thursday, Trump told some members of Congress that he is considering military action in Syria in retaliation for the chemical attack, and recognizes the seriousness of the situation, a source familiar with the calls told CNN.
The source said the President had not firmly decided to go ahead with it but said he was discussing possible actions with Defense Secretary James Mattis.

US officials also said the Pentagon has long-standing options to strike Syria's chemical weapons capability and has presented those options to the administration.
The sources stressed a decision has not been made.
Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican, told reporters Thursday that it's his "understanding" that Trump is consulting with Mattis and national security adviser H.R. McMaster on Syria. He does not know what they will recommend to him, but believes they will provide him with an "excellent" option.
McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham issued a joint statement earlier in the day calling for military action, recommending an international coalition "to ground Assad's air force."
"We agree with the President that Assad has crossed a line with his latest use of chemical weapons. The message from the United States must be that this will not stand. We must show that no foreign power can or will protect Assad now. He must pay a punitive cost for this horrific attack," they said.
They added: "In addition to other measures, the United States should lead an international coalition to ground Assad's air force. This capability provides Assad a strategic advantage in his brutal slaughter of innocent civilians, both through the use of chemical weapons as well as barrel bombs, which kill far more men, women and children on a daily basis ... Ultimately, the grounding of Assad's air force can and should be part of a new comprehensive strategy to end the conflict in Syria."


Source: CNN