There are those who truly believe that the war in Syria can escalate into a nuclear confrontation among big powers, if Obama insists on the use of US missiles in retaliation for the gassing of civilians. Let us take a satellite view of what is really happening.
For the Russians and Chinese, the change of Syria or Iran to a pro-American regime is non-negotiable, and the beginning of the end. The issue is not about Assad being an oppressor, not for the Americans, Russians, or Chinese. That is true only for the Syrians themselves. Sadly very few care about the Syrians except themselves.
The same is true for the Islamic world. The dominance of America in these two last vestiges of Islamic power is also non-negotiable. For the Americans, Russians, and Chinese, it is an energy war. For the Arabs, Persians, and Israelis, it is at the same time also a sacred religious war. These are the ingredients for Armageddon, a nuclear confrontation ushering in World War III, the prophecy of prophecies among dozens of visionaries through the centuries. Are we in the era of Armageddon? In the Apocalypse, Armageddon is defined as the final battle among the most powerful kings.
When Obama made a sudden 180-degree, deferring the missile initiative until he gets US Congress endorsement, cold water was doused momentarily on his knee-jerk brinkmanship. But the danger is not over. We get a few days reprieve until Congress convenes. Many say Obama will do it anyway, with or without a Congress go-signal. But he hesitates because his is alone in his initiative which may blow up on his face. There are massive protests from top to bottom of the military. Only a few men from the White House and the Pentagon want Armageddon.