The last several days have been pretty tense for those in America who are actually informed and give a shit. (Regrettably, few in comparison to the population.) The current administration is weighing whether or not to launch attacks against the Syrian Al'Assad regime based on whether or not the regime is responsible for chemical weapons attacks earlier this week.
There are many factors complicating the decision for the administration. First, was it the regime who launched the chemical attack, or was it one of the several rebel groups (many with direct ties to terrorism)? Second, Russia, a staunch supporter of the Al'Assad regime, has threatened to veto any action in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Third, China has threatened to veto any action in the UNSC as well. Fourth, the administration is running low on political power to push their agenda, and Congress is demanding that they be involved in the decision (rightly). And fifth, the UK has backed out of any military action, leaving us without our longest and best ally if the administration decides to go ahead.
Here's the problem with military action in Syria, as I see it... It is illegal. Plain and simple. Any action taken, without a declaration of war from the Congress, is illegal.
The reason for this is simple. According to the Constitution, war must be declared by Congress. "But this isn't war!" you might say. True, and the War Powers Act addresses military actions that the President can take that aren't a declared war. The War Powers Act, however, requires that there be imminent threat to US interests, and no matter who you are, you can't say honestly that there are US interests in Syria that are threatened.
This is a pretty simple situation. It's illegal, so we shouldn't do it. But when has that stopped this administration before now?