Sputnik News International
23 March 2017
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- Why US ‘Should Change Its Iraq and Syria-Centered Strategy’ Against Daesh
Why US ‘Should Change Its Iraq and Syria-Centered Strategy’ Against Daesh
The US-led military coalition should expand the geographical scope of its current approach to tackling Daesh since the brutal group’s presence is no longer limited to Iraq and Syria, Dr. Rohan Gunaratna told Radio Sputnik.
Washington’s “strategy against Daesh has been largely Iraq- and Syria-centered,” he said. “I believe that strategy should [be replaced by] a broader the strategy because Daesh has spread from the heartland of Syria and Iraq. The group has created branches in Africa, Asia and other parts of the Middle East, as well as the Caucasus. Daesh has expanded into Western nations. Today the response against Daesh must be much more global than when it was originally crafted.”
Dr. Rohan Gunaratna, who heads the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at Nanyang Technological University, further hailed Russia for its counterterrorism in the Middle East.
“When it comes to fighting Daesh, I want to say that Russia has made an unparalleled contribution. If not for the Russian campaign, Daesh would have had more power and more resources. The Russian bombing and targeting was very effective,” he said.
Dr. Rohan Gunaratna also praised Iran and its local allies, as well as Hezbollah for their anti-Daesh operations.
“I believe that there are more partners in the fight against terrorism and gradually the American contribution will diminish and more European, Middle Eastern and even Asian countries will participate in addition to the large contribution the Russians have made,” he said.
ICPVTR / Online
Last updated on 24/03/2017
