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Source: http://www.inss.org.il/publications.php?cat=21&incat=&read=11973
U.S. Military Intervention in Syria
(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Amos Yadlin and Avner Golov - The fact that Assad's army carried out a large-scale attack with chemical weapons clearly cannot be ignored. The declared U.S. objective is to punish Assad for the use of chemical weapons and to deter him from further use of these weapons. A pinpoint "punitive" attack targeting the units that took part in the recent chemical attack, military targets, or regime assets would strengthen American credibility, but its chances of restoring U.S. deterrent power are slim. It has the ability to prevent large-scale use of chemical weapons, but it is doubtful that it would have an impact on Assad's considerations regarding the continued massacre of his people. At this time, there is no military option that could immediately stop the slaughter in Syria, force Assad to leave, and ensure a moderate, democratic regime. Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, a former chief of Israeli military intelligence, is director of the INSS, where Avner Golov is a researcher.