Just over 12 months ago, the United States President Barack Obama made it clear that any use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government would change what he called his "calculus".
The allegations Syrian government troops have used chemical weapons in Damascus now see Mr Obama being criticised for not enforcing the red lines he set in August last year.
So far his administration won't be drawn on what action President Bashar al-Assad would face if it could be proven his forces were behind this attack.
Professor Bob Bowker worked as Australia's ambassador to Syria between 2005 and 2008.
He says it's unlikely the UN chemical weapons inspectors already in Syria will be given ready access to investigate.
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