West hesitates on Syria response as Russia warns of ‘war’Western officials believe chlorine was used in the April 7 attack on Douma, the main city in the former rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta. What is less clear is whether sarin, the agent used in a chemical attack that prompted US missile strikes last year, was also used. Russia, which has stonewalled diplomatic efforts at the UN Security Council, has vehemently denied a chemical attack took place. OPCW inspectors are expected to arrive in Syria at the weekend to investigate, following an invitation from Damascus. This signalled the end of one of the bloodiest assaults of the seven-year war and a major win for the Assad regime.

Source: The Express Tribune April 13, 2018 23:15 UTC