John Baron MP cautions against Obama IS strategy in Syria

MP highlights dangers of Syrian intervention

The President of the United States, Barack Obama, has outlined the US strategy to defeat the Islamic State (IS). This will see air strikes against IS targets, both in Iraq and in Syria; increased support for ground forces fighting IS (with the exception of al-Assad’s forces); increased counter-terrorist measures to stem IS’ funding and the flow of foreign fighters to the region; and humanitarian assistance to those affected by IS. On the diplomatic front, the US Government is putting together a coalition to combat IS. This is expected to include Britain, as well as Turkey and some Arab and European allies.

John said,

“IS has to be driven out of Iraq, but air strikes into Syria are fraught with risks. The legal, technical and military differences between strikes in Iraq and Syria are marked. The UK should be advising caution.”

“Air strikes alone will not defeat this well-organised guerrilla army. We are not dealing with a disparate group of terrorists hiding in caves. Furthermore, even if successful, we do not know who would take IS’ place. Other extremist groups lurk in the shadows.”

“We should be putting pressure on our regional allies, who have the capability and means, to conduct these strikes. We have sold them billions of pounds of kit and training suited to this sort of intervention. The recent UAE and Egyptian strikes against extremists in Libya prove this can be done.”

“The West must minimise its role in defeating this Caliphate – the symbolism would be profound. There must be a regional solution. The West can support this, such as by helping to bring the Iraqi Army up to scratch.”