Opinion

Focus on Russian response following US airstrike

Donald Trump's decision to launch airstrikes against President Assad's forces marks a dramatic change of course from a US leader who had seemed determined not to get drawn into the war in Syria.

Mr Trump had campaigned on a mainly isolationist platform and his foreign policy to date could be summed up in two words - America first.

But that altered quite suddenly after reports emerged this week of the aftermath of a chemical attack on the town of Khan Sheikhoun, where more than 80 men, women and children died.

Harrowing images of the impact of the deadly gas attack, which included footage of a father clutching his two dead babies, caused outrage around the world and appears to have had a profound effect on the US president.

Having ordered a missile strike on the Syrian base from where he said the chemical attack was launched, President Trump has signalled a major policy shift early in his administration.

It may be that this strike is intended as a one-off, sending out a message to President Assad that he crossed a line when he rained down chlorine and possibly sarin gas on his own citizens.

Having had a generally hostile international reception in the first months of his presidency, Mr Trump received considerable support following his retaliatory action.

World leaders, including those from the UK, France and Germany, backed the move as did both Republicans and Democrats in the US.

However, the main focus will be on Russia, which thought it had an ally in Trump - and stands accused of interfering in the presidential election to help him get elected - but issued an angry response to the US airstrike.

Whether this marks a step change in Syria, where Assad has engaged in appalling atrocities, remains to be seen.

Unfortunately, there is no sign that the horror in Syria is coming to an end any time soon.