Eli,
I don't think it's fair to assume that our strike led to any additional bombings by Assad: he's been doing this daily for far too long.  The strike by the US was (from what I can tell), designed to make it clear that using WMDs crosses a line, and when Assad does so, he will pay.  IF the strike does nothing more than stop him from using WMDs again, it will have accomplished it's goal.

I don't think ANYBODY believes that's "the answer," to Assad, but if it stops him from using more WMDs, it will have been worth it.  I actually suspect he'll "test" us one more time.  And if we respond, again attacking ONLY military assets, but in a way that hurts his military even more, I'm guessing that will take WMDs off the table there for good.  A lousy way to have to do it, but better than an all out invasion...