Arab States rally around US to counter ISIS

The United States-led coalition to counter the scourge of the barbarism unleashed by the terror outfit The Islamic State (IS) has got a major boost of legitimacy after at least 10 Arab states have stepped up and committed itself to destroy the IS forces.

Delegates from more than 20 countries are currently meeting in Paris to determine the nature of action.

There is “no time to lose” in the fight against the Islamic State (Isis), said France’s President François Hollande at the start of an international summit on September 15.

Earlier, US Secretary of State John Kerry rallied several Arab states, including Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to cooperate and help target IS forces in Syria and Iraq.

The inclusion of Arab countries into the coalition is being hailed as a major push in international efforts to counter the terror organisation.

IS has taken over vast swathes of land in Syria and Iraq since June, killing thousands and forcing millions to flee. The IS has been criticised for its barbaric treatment of non-Sunni Muslims and its wanton disregard for human rights. It recently released haunting videos of beheading 2 American journalist and one British aid worker.

At least 39 Indian workers continue to suffer under the IS captivity. They were last reported to be in Sunni-dominated town of Mosul.

On September 11, 10 Arab nations committed themselves to contribute to help destroy the IS. However, the US has left the definition of “contribute” very liberal.

Kerry said he was “extremely encouraged” by pledges made so far. However, Kerry clarified that US will not put combat troops on the ground.

Some experts believe that Saudi Arabia could play a leading role against the IS. The Arab kingdom, which offered its military bases to US forces during the 1991 Gulf war and the 2003 invasion of Iraq, is expected to take up frontline responsibility against the IS this time around.

France and Australia have already pledged to carry our air strikes against ISIS in Syria and Iraq. Australia is also sending at least 8 FA-18 attack plans, and 200 army commandos as adviser for Kurdish peshmerga forces and the Iraqi forces.

Author Profile

India Writes Network: India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) is an emerging think tank and a media-publishing company focused on international affairs & the India Story. Centre for Global India Insights is the research arm of India Writes Network. To subscribe to India and the World, write to editor@indiawrites.org. A venture of TGII Media Private Limited, a leading media, publishing and consultancy company, IWN has carved a niche for balanced and exhaustive reporting and analysis of international affairs. Eminent personalities, politicians, diplomats, authors, strategy gurus and news-makers have contributed to India Writes Network, as also “India and the World,” a magazine focused on global affairs.