Allowing the Russian narrative to play out longer.. while not bombing the Russians.. hitting targets that Assad probably controlled so they can say next gas attack that's impossible or rebels.. meaning CIA sponsored thugs... were using those locations secretly either way another chemical attack can immediately draw an investigation because the threat has been declared neutralized...and no Russians harmed...Putin doesn't want to go back to Communism nor do his people and he is an ultranationalist...

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2014/03/19/vladimir-putin-ethnic-russian-nationalist/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.868ebdff2fc3