Sadly, there is no 'acceptable' way for the UK to move forward on this issue. We were damned if we did, and damned if we didn't.
Of course there is moral outrage at events in the region - God help us if people ever become immune to such atrocities. As a nation, the British have prided themselves on being at the forefront of international politics, and of taking a lead. While accusations of playing lapdog to the US are understandable, the special relationship which has existed is rooted in two nations with very similar ideology and there can be little surprise that there is frequent agreement.
There remains "agreement" - at least by the peoples. The US populace show very little support for action in Syria, and US intervention has become a far more difficult course for Obama in light of the UK decision.
Historically, we have demonstrated a clear lead. Other nations have followed - for better or worse. We have withstood condemnation for some of those choices, and enjoyed accolade for others. The electorate has taken pride in its armed forces, and of the British role on the world stage, even when they have not approved of some actions.
Sadly, while current leadership may not yet have accepted the reality of the 21st century, the swell of public opinion seems to indicate that the populace are firmly realistic.
The UK is moving to become a bit player. The UK no longer has the resources to support action in multiple arenas, or to follow pre-emptive action with sustained presence.
We cut our armed forces massively.
We have an economy which is only now showing tentative signs of recovery, and still has the potential to tip into financial disaster if mishandled.
We cannot afford sustained overseas action.
We reap the result of previous actions in the Muslim world on a daily basis, and would be hard pushed to cope with any serious retaliative escalation caused by involvement.
In short, as someone who is about as proud to be British as one can be, last nights decision was the correct move for a country which is rapidly beginning to understand that we are no longer proud and defiant 'leaders' on the world stage - because we cannot afford to be.
No-one jumps up and down because Greece, or Ireland are not involving themselves as a spearhead response. They understand that where strong countries lead, others may be able to offer a limited following of support.
It is terribly sad, but the UK is one, small, overloaded, over-stretched, under-funded island which continues to trade with the big boys because of our history and determined presence. We no longer have the capacity or funds to start games in the wider arena, or dictate terms.