The limited bombing of chemical weapons facilities in Syria by the US, France and the UK was proportionate and effective, and killed nobody (Report, 16 April). It was an act of defiance against the murder by the Assad regime of defenceless civilians, using banned chemical agents. Successful diplomacy requires not just good faith on both sides but also costs associated with the outcome (being the use of chemical weapons) which we are trying to avoid. Colin GarwoodBerkhamsted, Hertfordshire• Thank you for these letters (15 April) on Syria. Christopher NashHenley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian April 18, 2018 16:52 UTC