Editorial New anti-terror strategy A formal war statement has come from the West and the Arab world. The ISIS is ought to be exterminated, and there are no two opinions in it. US President Barack Obama, who failed to keep his word as far as going after the regime in Damascus is concerned and was seen faltering behind his own drawn Red Lines, is determined to root out the ISIS militants from Iraq and Syria, alike. Though he is yet to spell out his strategy, it is widely hoped that the hot pursuit will be dependent on flying sorties without any territorial consideration targeting the dreaded groups hideouts indiscriminately. But on the other hand, Obama this time around is in the mood of his predecessor, George Bush, to foment an international coalition to wage a full-fledged war. The unanimous support extended by the Arab League has turned the tables in favour of a complete military action against the ISIS. This stance from the regional Muslim states couldnt not have come at a more opportune time, as Obama outlined his three-pronged approach of degrading the ISIS, shrinking their territory and defeating them. Joining chorus with him was Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Al Arabi who categorically remarked that what was needed from member states was a clear and firm decision for a comprehensive confrontation with cancerous and terrorist groups. This conflict with a non-state actor has gathered more importance than Al Qaeda, and is set to witness severe geopolitical ramifications. The Western powers, nonetheless, who vowed to tackle the treat as they met in Wales early this week are yet to stipulate to what extent they want to commit themselves, and if that required sending in ground troops, will they be able to shoulder the burden or not! As far as Obama is concerned, he has ruled out boot-on-ground offensive for the American troops. This in other words means the Muslim and Arab states would be under the spotlight for committing troops to ensure a foolproof flush out operation against the ISIS. This is like a déjà vu for many, as the first Gulf War against Iraq also revolved around the possibility of creating a Muslim nations multinational force. This time as well keeping in view the vulnerability of the Iraqi army, which collapsed like a house of cards as the ISIS moved in to Mosul from Syria, a multinational-armed alliance seems indispensable. This crisscross of conflicting interests is likely to see new alignments and strategic understandings between Iran, Syria, the Arab world and the West. Nonetheless, the consensus to eliminate non-state actors that threaten the geo-polity of sovereign states should not be restricted to Iraq and Syria, and should encompass several African and Asian states that are reeling under similar terror syndrome. (Courtesy Khaleej Times)
Posted on: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 06:36:20 +0000
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