Western military planners have a number of options available for action against regime of Syrian President Bashar Al-assad following his alleged use of chemical weapons against anti-government rebel forces in Damascus last week.<br /><br />The least risky and most likely option would involve limited strikes against high-value targets in Syria from US and its allies' warships and submarines stationed in the Mediterranean.<br /><br />Ship and submarine launched tomahawk cruise missiles would be used to strike at targets including military barracks, missile production facilities and air defenses to send a message to Assad.<br /><br />Another option would be to step up support and training to Syrian opposition groups. But links to Al-Qaeda groups among the rebel groups mean this is unlikely to be pursued.<br /><br />Establishing a no-fly zone over Syrian territory would first involve taking out Syria's reputedly extensive air-defense network, while planes would also need to be available to shoot down any Syrian aircraft that take to the skies.<br /><br />Buffer zones along Syria's border with Turkey and Jordan could be established, providing a safe haven for rebels and refugees, and enabling them to receive supplies. Policing the zones, however, would present difficulties.<br /><br />Securing Syria's stockpiles of chemical weapons is another option, but bombing them would be risky and seizing the weapons would require a massive and indefinite land operation that the US has no desire for.<br /><br />Most analysts believe the most likely option will involve long-range missile strikes meant as a lesson to the Assad regime.<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />TomoNews is your daily source for top animated news. We've combined animation and video footage with a snarky personality to bring you the biggest and best stories from around the world.<br /><br />For news that's fun and never boring, visit our channel:<br />https://www.youtube.com/user/TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Subscribe to stay updated on all the top stories:<br />http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=TomoNewsUS<br /><br />Stay connected with us here:<br />Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Twitter @tomonewsus http://www.twitter.com/TomoNewsUS<br />Google+ http://gplus.to/TomoNewsUS
