The recent US attack on Syria for the alleged use of chemical weapons is a perversion of justice. Although no evidence has been produced to show that Assad used chemical weapons on his own people - despite the proclamations of Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron - we can, for the sake of argument, entertain the proposition that he did in fact order gassing of his people. If this is the case, then what follows? What is the proper response? I offer the contention that missile strikes are some of the least effective and, more importantly, least just means of carrying out retribution.
Let's place such strikes in the context of the typical way justice is carried out. Imagine there is a man named John who acquires the means to build a chemical weapon, constructs it, and unleashes it upon helpless people in an apartment building. Most people would consider it just for those involved in the attack, in this case John himself, to be rounded up as soon as possible, stand trial, and face punishment for the consequences of his despicable actions. If he conspired with others to carry out his plot, then most people would be satisfied to see them face a similar fate as John himself. If John were actually the head of a large organization and ordered the attack himself (or even if an underling did it) he likely would face charges as well as those involved if there was sufficient evidence against him. That's typically how justice in criminal proceedings is supposed to be carried out.
Now, consider the case where the government reacts to John like it does to Assad. Rather than seeking those individuals who are responsible, they launch missiles at John's neighbourhood. They claim to be targeting the shops and stores who sold him the material and where he built the weapons in order to deter John from any future attacks. In the process, they kill individuals who may have been affiliated with him and others who very likely had nothing to do with John or his organization. John himself, however, is not targeted nor attacked, in fact, just the opposite. Because of his status he won't be touched directly, just people who may or may not have had anything to do with it because they happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. A few buildings in John's neighbourhood are blown up, a few families are killed, and we hope that John learned his lesson: no more chemical attacks!
Also note in this latter case, there is no semblance of due process. No evidence is produced nor asked for. Human life is simply taken and justice is supposedly served.
