The way to defeating Islamic State is clear, yet the will is lacking
Robert Patman says the UN has to build wide support for the military strategy, as it's no longer enough to rely on a coalition of the willing
The Islamic State terrorist organisation can be defeated, but it remains to be seen whether the international community is prepared to make the necessary political and diplomatic commitments to do so.
Over the past year, Islamic State has extended control over territory covering one-third of Iraq and a roughly equivalent proportion of Syria. It has jurisdiction over about six million people and runs an economy that comprises oil exports, utilities, extortion, kidnapping and the sale of antiquities.
At the same time, its estimated 50,000-strong fighting force has shown skill, resilience and flexibility against Western counterterrorism efforts.
To date, the 60-plus coalition of states against Islamic State has failed to summon the political will or strategic understanding to decisively counter it.
So what kind of strategy will work?
First, it is high time that the UN Security Council formulated a resolution authorising the possible use of force against Islamic State. It is strategically vital that any military action against it should have the widest possible international backing.
