"I can't see them risking any overt action in Syria to punish Assad unless they can improve their strategic position."
Dunno. Obama has backed himself into a corner. He made his statement, and cant back down without losing credibility (the little he has left). He HAS to attack unless something prevents it and allows him to back off with dignity. I think he is hoping that will happen. The UN Security Council wont allow an attack due to vetos from Russia and China.....and he is not supposed to engage without the UN approval.... Dont really know what he will do. The military is not too keen on the idea of attacking.
