A History of Sarin as a Weapon

Yesterday, the world watched in horror as a deadly chemical agent—likely sarin gas, one of the most-toxic chemical weapons in existence—was unleashed on unsuspecting civilians, including dozens of children. Doctors and rescue workers posted videos of the attack on Syria’s rebel- and jihadist-controlled town of Khan Sheikhoun in Idlib province. Soon, the images of dead, poisoned children had spread across the world, followed by condemnations by the United Nations and NGOs alike.

After news of the attack became public, President Donald Trump , calling it “reprehensible” but also blaming the Obama administration for establishing a red line against chemical attacks and the UN Security Council that the “illegitimate Syrian government, led by a man with no conscience, has committed untold atrocities against his people for more than six years.”