Do you actually believe that Assad used chemical weapon on his people, knowing​ the bad press and the threats that would follow? That's kind of stupid

Yes, I do. He's done this before despite very obvious drawbacks, he (or rather the local commander supposedly responsible to Assad) seems to have considerable issues evaluating anything but the shortest timeline horizon.

But FWIW, I'm pretty sure Assad is, and has been since his dad died, a complete puppet for a junta of generals, who make all the decisions