Jacoby concluded that such monsters “deserve…. the worst penalty our legal system allows.”

The statement concluded: "Visitors from around the globe marvelled at his impressive size and commanding presence, especially at feeding time."

That raises the question of whether certain players in the Syrian drama concluded that the time to roll the dice on “sudden political change” had arrived, and who might benefit most from this disruption.

In October, a coroner concluded that he took his own life at the age of 45.

In recent weeks, the US, Qatar and Egypt have resumed their mediation efforts and reported greater willingness by both sides to conclude a deal.