Build a Coalition against the Islamic State

The radical Islamic group Islamic State is spreading its influence. It controls the large land area extending into Iraq and Syria, and has repeatedly committed inhumane acts against the people of that region. It shared a video of the murder of an American journalist on the Internet.

It is an unacceptable act of barbarism. The rise of an extremist group that disrupts public order through brute force is a common threat to the international community. An international coalition must be constructed as soon as possible to bring the violence under control and prevent the spread of terrorism.

The Islamic State touts nation-building in line with Islamic doctrine. There are more than 10,000 combatants; a great number of Westerners drawn to extremist ideology have joined as well. There is also a risk that they will return to their countries and commit acts of terrorism [there].

The international community must cooperate to eliminate the threat. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit meeting affirmed the threat of the Islamic State crossing international borders. The U.N.’s role is also important.

U.S. forces continue airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraqi territory and have achieved positive results. The United States is purported to be exploring the possibility of airstrikes in Syrian territory through a “coalition of the willing” with European and Middle Eastern countries. Airstrikes in Iraq alone are certainly not enough to clear up the extremist group’s influence, which moves freely through Iraq and Syria.

However, there are many issues with airstrikes in Syria. Military activities in Iraq are based on the approval of that country’s government. In contrast, the United States is in opposition with Syria’s Assad regime. Cooperation with the ground forces essential to recovering areas under Islamic State control cannot be expected. Let us call for careful judgment regarding airstrikes.

It is also important to cut off the flow of funds supporting Islamic State activities. Illegal transactions with petroleum produced from oil fields in Islamic State-controlled areas, as well as contributions from wealthy supporters from Middle Eastern nations are believed to be sources of Islamic State funding. These possible sources must be monitored.

The Islamic State cleverly uses the Internet and social media to disseminate information and gather combatants. An international alliance is necessary to hinder propaganda efforts and to prevent young Westerners from joining the Islamic State.