“My guess: it is someone in Syria who covets the leadership position.”
I’m inclined to agree with you. If so, it had to be someone in the Assad’s military, if it wasn’t Assad himself. The gas was delivered by helicopters. That pretty much limits it to either Assad (he has a history using chemical weapons) or a rival in the military with access to helicopters.
Makes sense to me MIlitary is always top of list of those in third world who want power. Those who shall not be named probably has had a meal or two with this person or persons