What happens next in Syria – could Britain be drawn into a third world war?

Donald Trump, the US president, has warned of a tough response to a chemical attack in Syria but it is yet unclear what form this will take.

Mr Trump had some strong words for Russia, which backs the Syrian regime in the war, warning President Vladimir Putin he would pay a “big price”.

His comments threatened to ratchet up tensions between the two former Cold War foes.

What is likely to happen next?

The attack came days after Mr Trump announced a draw down of US troops, which some analysts say may have served as a green light to President Bashar al-Assad.

The US and its Western allies’ general inaction over Syria has only emboldened Mr Assad, who has for years been acting with impunity as the...

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