The Syrian civil war is undermining

U. S. credibility abroad each day the Assad government remains in power.

The United States needs to send Bashar Assad and, indirectly, his allies Russia, Iran and China the message that it has not lost its resolve to maintain global stability and peace.

The Obama administration should conduct airstrikes. If select Syrian government and military sites were bombed, it would send Assad and his allies the message that the United States means business and is willing to use force to maintain peace and order throughout the world. Airstrikes would also provide a short- term public relations win for the Obama administration. Andrew Bosse Chico, Calif.