We seem to be building to an event that may or may not lead to a huge conflict. Yet another chemical attack on a civilian area in Syria that's pinned on Assad is the likeliest catalyst. Last year the Yanks fired scores of Tomahawk missiles from ships that hit a Syrian airbase in retaliation for a chemical attack, and using the same playbook it may not be the US who attacks first because French president Macron said last month his forces would be deployed to punish Assad following a new outrage. If and when it happens all will depend on whether Syria or Russia finally retaliate to acts of war.