Kerry logic: Failure to act will embolden AQ

Perhaps Kerry has his conflicts muddled, because it's difficult to see how a failure to strike Syria will 'embolden' AQ. There seems to be unanimity in the assessment that 'AQ and AQ affiliates' are playing a major role in fighting with forces  loyal to Bashar al-Assad - perhaps the leading role due to their superior fighting skills and commitment to jihadist goals. It's quite obvious that any strike on Assad's forces or infrastructure will be useful assistance to  opposition forces including AQ.  

Kerry would struggle to  argue convincingly that US strikes will not embolden Al Qaeda in Syria. Anyone can see it will be a boost - a small boost or a big one - depending on how far the US goes. But perhaps more important than that is the suspicion held by some  that Dr Ayman al-Zawahiri's broader goals and strategies are served by once more sucking the US into an unwinnable war, and it seems to be going his way.  That's not to say that Obama has fully taken the bait, but Kerry's suggestion that the last thing AQ needs is a 'humanitarian attack' on Syria is far from the truth.  

 Kerry warned a sceptical and sometimes raucous panel that failing to strike Syria would embolden al-Qaida and raise to "100%" the chances Assad would use chemical weapons again. Link