The violence in Syria has reached a level that is horrendous. The West must act and it is not a matter of unintended consequences of such action, rather it is the fact of the consequences of current and past inaction that is spreading violence across the borders of Syria and threatens to engulf neighbors. Turkey has been attacked, its refugee camps are overflowing with victims of the war in Syria. Hospitals across the region are filled with the wounded, men, women and children. 1980s vintage Russian scuds are being used on civilians. The West must engage and enforce a no-fly zone immediately. The cessation of bombing and missiles will result in a decrease in violence. It is the only way to bring about efforts for peace. Neither side can stop fighting unless some outside force can pressure each and enforce and end to the rain of terror. That third force will give the excuse for both sides to stop fighting and for an opening for peace.
While the recent failure of Syrian air defenses to stop Israeli bombing, it is unclear if this was a manufactured event in the interests of both Netanyahu (for internal consumption) and Assad. What seems likely is that Syrian forces if attacked by Tomahawks on their command and control will be so vulnerable that continued resistance to Western missiles would be suicide. Russia is unable both technically and logistically unable to respond and technically they have nothing that can match Western Tomahawk technology. Nevertheless, Russian moves in recent months seem to indicate that they are tiring of Assad and want a way out. This could be it.