The purpose of the attack was to degrade and destroy Assad's chemical weapons infrastructure. Chemical weapons which are illegal, immoral and inhumane. He has used these chemical weapons on numerous occasions against his own population. It was also to send a clear message to other tyrants who might opt to do the same that if they do there will be a price to pay. The free and democratic nations of the world support the action as do the citizens of Syria who fear they could be the next victims.