Obama, Trump & Syria

Re: ‘ Bodies of children, women and men ... everyone is suffocated,’ Apr. 5

Donald Trump may try to pin responsibility for Syria’s recent use of chemical weapons on the inaction of his predecessor but the fault is Trump’s alone. By signalling to the world that the U. S. would no longer focus on Syria or pursue regime change, he gave the green l i ght to President Assad to carry on as he saw fit. David Weiner, Lakehurst, Ont. President Obama was foolish in the past, giving an ultimatum — a red line — which was promptly crossed with no repercussions. He was a weak president, evidenced by a weak foreign policy, and not just with Syria.

Since then Russia and Iran have become involved in propping up Assad, which changes the ball game. A new situation, new dangers, with a new president of only three months. Obama had eight years to get it right; he’s going to have to return his Nobel Peace Prize. His socalled legacy is toast. Cherryl Katnich, Maple Ridge, British Columbia