John Baron MP cautions against IS mission creep into Syria

MP says Syrian strikes are ill-advised

As the Government considers its response to the threat posed by the Islamic State (IS), there is speculation that the Prime Minister will soon announce plans for military strikes against the extremists, in concert with Western and regional allies. These would take place in Northern Iraq, but may also include striking IS targets in Syria.

John said,

“If Parliament agrees to military action in Iraq, we must guard against ‘mission creep’. Any action against IS must be at the invitation of the Iraqi Government and be clearly defined. Past errors must not be repeated.”

“In addition, I caution against strikes on IS targets in Syria. Without the approval of the Assad Government, we would be on uncertain legal ground. Meanwhile, Syria’s air defences are robust. The downing of a British jet could lead us down a dangerous path.”

“Furthermore, air strikes alone are unlikely to defeat this well-organised guerrilla army. Ground troops are required, but these must be local forces. The symbolism of the West alone defeating this Caliphate would be extremely negative. The elephant in the room is the Iraqi Army, numbering over 250,000. Our allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia, should also be prepared to play their part.”

“We should not co-operate with Assad against IS. My enemy’s enemy is not always my friend, as we have found to our cost with our support for the Mujahedeen in the 1980s.”

“The longer-term solution has to be political. Soldiers only buy time. The IS invasion is born out of the sectarian politics pursued by al-Maliki. The new leadership must succeed in pursuing inclusive policies if Iraq is to remain a single entity.”