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Because he's taking a calculated risk that the West won't actually do anything. Remember that Libya showed that European militaries are essentially paper tigers. Without US removal of air defense systems, the Europeans were basically helpless. Furthermore, Libya's campaign showed that European supply and resupply are incredibly shallow with European stockpiles running desperately thin early into the campaign, so faced with a defense net way more advanced then Libya and an America who frankly can't afford another round of regime change, he essentially has cover. And when faced with rebels moving into the main cities of Aleppo and Damascus, it's a risk he might just take. Make no mistake, we will likely suffer losses in the destruction of the Syrian air defense system. This isn't Serbia. Or Libya.
Actually it seems that the US and Europe have a lot of firepower to spare. (U.S. Ships, Troops Off Syria's Coast Amid Warnings Over Chemical Weapons)
And has been in the past (Iran propping up Syria's dwindling cash reserves – CNN Security Clearance - CNN.com Blogs)