Syrian Politician Warns US Over IS Action
The Syrian Parliament's Speaker warns America that "putting weapons in the wrong hands is an irreversible action".
IS militants celebrate after taking Tabqa airbase in Syria last month
As the US Congress prepares
to vote on arming and training what they call the moderate Syrian
opposition, Sky News has been given a letter from the Speaker of the
Syrian Parliament addressed to senior US politicians.
Jihad Al Lahham says that this decision would be in violation of United
Nations Security Council resolutions and will lead to a failed state in
Syria.Mr Al Lahham warns US politicians that "putting the weapons in the wrong hands is an irreversible action that will trigger a global, negative chain reaction."
Instead, he proposes a two-pronged approach to fighting Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, consisting of de-radicalisation and intelligence collaboration, particularly with Turkey. The Syrians have long argued that the Turkish government must to do more to stem the influx of fighters crossing over its borders into Syria.
The Syrians have been giving mixed messages on this subject. On the one hand, weakening IS would work in their favour as the extremists have taken over large areas of the country's east and continue to encroach on the city of Aleppo.
However, arming President Bashar al Assad's opposition to get rid of IS may be too high a price to pay for the Syrian government. The Saudis and the Americans have made no secret over the past three years they want Assad gone and just because these countries now share a common enemy, does not make them all friends.
The letter also raises an important point about who are the "moderate" opposition.
But at no point yet has the US, or states in their coalition against IS, explained which groups and leaders are considered "moderate" or how they will guarantee these groups' aims remain in line with the US in the future.
The worry is that a knee-jerk reaction to arm groups to fight other armed groups in both Syria and Iraq may, in the long-term, lead to more violence. In other words, while world leaders are quick to highlight the consequences of inaction against IS, they seem to be less concerned about the possible consequences of their actions.
The letter also comes ahead of the start of the UN General Assembly meeting next week when decisions on what action to take against IS are likely to be made. It will provide ammunition and talking points for Syria's allies at the UN like Russia and China who will no doubt highlight the dangers of arming the opposition.
While many may dismiss these arguments as pro-Syrian propaganda, in reality how the US and their allies deal with IS may prove just as dangerous to the region's stability as the militants themselves.
- You can comment as normal on our-new look commenting system just by logging in with your Sky ID. If you normally use Facebook to post comments, we’re working on giving you back that option as soon as possible. In the meantime, why not register for a Sky ID to join the debate?
- By posting a comment you are agreeing to abide by our Terms & Conditions. See our House Rules and FAQs.
