I thought Assad was a reformer?

And that (aside from the lack of oil) was the reason Prez Gutzy Call wasn't going to go in unilaterally and illegally like he did in Libya.
Now, we're going to put Beaker and six other Syrian higher-ups on double-sekrit probation.

Obama signed the order Wednesday, a move a senior administration official described as a "decisive step to increase pressure" on the Syrian government to end violence, intimidation and pressure "and begin transitioning to a democratic" process.

Condemning Syria's use of violence and intimidation against its people, the official said al-Assad "must put an end to the attacks on protesters, mass arrests and harassment" of citizens expressing rights and "must begin to introduce change."

Because everyone knows how well sanctions backed up by nothing always get the attention of ruthless dictators.

But, hey! Captain Kickass is ready to do something!