Red Line

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In August 2012, Syrian president Bashar al-Assad faced a brutal civil war, prompting international concerns about his potential use of chemical weapons. The world warned that any such action would cross a "red line," leading to military intervention. When Assad unleashed sarin gas on Ghouta the following year, killing hundreds, global leaders grappled with the dilemma of honoring their threats without entering another unpopular Middle Eastern conflict. Russia's offer to store Syria's chemical weapons seemed to provide a solution, initiating a race to locate, remove, and destroy 1,300 tons of these weapons amid the chaos of civil war. This initial effort appeared to be a tactical success for the West, but soon revealed Russia's ulterior motives: using UN cover to bolster Assad’s regime. As ISIS gained ground, it threatened to seize Syria’s chemical arsenal, leading to dire consequences. The narrative unfolds with a cast of characters, including weapons hunters, politicians, commandos, diplomats, and spies, illustrating the complexities of the situation. Through original reporting and firsthand accounts, the author exposes how a well-meaning initiative to protect Syrian lives inadvertently empowered a dictator, fueled a terrorist movement, triggered a refugee crisis, and complicated U.S. foreign policy, while strengthening Russia and Iran's influence in the region.