Because the point is that nobody knows who is gassing children

IF it was clearly established by the UN that Assad is gassing children then the position would be different but for some bizarre reason we have appeared obsessed with launching military strikes on Assad without waiting for the outcome of the UN investigations. That is what is so bizarre about the whole thing and has ultimately led to that vote last night. Even at the same time as expressing their disappointment at the outcome the government still acknowledge that they do not have clear proof Assad did it - their stance seems to be based on the "well we're pretty convinced he did it so thats enough" and its not.

One thing i will say though is fair play to Cameron for putting it to Parliament and for apparently respecting the wishes of parliament. Last nights vote is actually one of the best examples of a Parliament vote reflecting the views of the nation I can recall for quite some time and in that sense is something of a triumph for democracy. Even if his initial haste to rush to military strikes was bizarre fair play to Cameron for doing things the right way, unlike the odious Blair who once he decided we were going to war made sure it was going to happen!

Posted By: Jim, Aug 30, 11:03:05