Why are Chemical Weapons Worse?

The World

While President Obama focuses today on the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington his administration is grappling with a very difficult decision on Syria.

The conflict there could expand.

Israel and other nations across the Middle East are mobilizing reserves and going on high-alert because of fears of a regional war.

The US and its allies are mulling the possibility of a military strike to punish the Syrian government for its alleged use of chemical weapons last week.

But huge questions remain–over the current lack of evidence of responsibility for the attack; and what legal authority there is for war.

Peter Beinart has his own question.

Beinart is senior political writer for the Daily Beast.

He wants to know: “Why is it worse to kill civilians with chemical weapons than some other way?”

Invest in independent global news

The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!