Yes----The Assads are BAATHISTS. They used
chlorine barrel bombs extensively---the bombs are almost specific for children---the chlorine gas destroys the delicate tissues of the ALVEOLI of the Lungs especially in children---the children SLOWLY suffocate to death. The bombs are cheap and easy to make and much of them came from the regime of the Islamic hero Saddam Hussein. He enjoyed killing both kurds and shiites
Loosely. Baathism doesn't mean much. Bashir Assad wasn't in charge. His younger brother was running the show.
The Alawhites were above the law re: drug smuggling and kidnapping for ransom.
Israel wanted Saddam Hussein taken out just like they want the US to invade Iran now. Israel can't be successful unless all the neighbors are demonized and crippled. Read Clean Break Strategy.