The escalation of Syrian conflict

This weekend’s suspected chemical weapons attack on the rebel-held town of Douma, a suburbs of Damascus, and Israeli airstrikes on a military base in Homs have ratcheted up the already tense situation in Syria. At his Cabinet Meeting on Monday, President Trump condemned the chemical attack and said he will make a decision regarding U.S. retaliation within the next few days.  Today on Radio Times, we’ll discuss the current escalation of the conflict in Syria, what’s at stake for that country, the  international powers involved, and the way forward for U.S. policy.  We’ll start the hour talking with SAM HELLER of the International Crisis Group who is based in Beirut, Lebanon, and has been following events on the ground, including the aftermath of the chemical attack.  Then, we’re joined by AMBASSADOR JAMES DOBBINS of the Rand Corporation and ILAN GOLDENBERG of the Center for a New American Security.