The Middle East issue is such a tangled enigma which is beyond repair.  So many different formidable factors - different in culture, religion, social and linguistic- are the stumbling block to find a permanent solution to this on-going problem.  The writer of the enclosed article has provided live and factual examples of failures whenever this country tried to either change the regime or find a peaceful solution to the problem, whether it is Vietnam, Korea or the turmoil in the Middle East.  I do not think any country irrespective of its fire power can find a permanent solution in the Middle East.  Staying there is just like standing in the swamp.  More you jump around in the swamp, the deeper you go into it and eventually you drown yourself - militarily and economically.  One wonders if it is worth the risk.  However, from a political angle, USA cann't afford to get out exclusively from the Middle East drama because it will provide a strong foothold to Russia and Iran.  As I said above, it is a riddle which is not easy to untangle.  As far as latest gas usage in Syria is concerned, there are many reports about who actually did it.  Is it Assad, the UK Government or the anti-Assad forces to keep USA involved in this issue.  The Jury is still out and we will see what finally happens.