The abduction of two Japanese nationals by Daesh (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) and the conflicting reports of one of them having been executed should push the US-led coalition to work out a more effective strategy to defeat this terrorist group. As things stand, the statements being put out by the coalition are contradictory, and obfuscate the truth about the ground reality. While US Secretary of State John Kerry says Daesh’s advance has been effectively halted, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says Iraqi forces are many months away from rooting them out. This kind of a gap between assessments is unacceptable and only empowers Daesh to continue with its barbaric acts as it watches with relish the quandary of Japan, battling with its pacifist ideology in the face of terror and a $200 million (Dh734 million) ransom demand for the release of the two abductees.
The truth is, despite all the talk by the US-led coalition, Daesh’s back has not yet been broken. With every passing month, the chequered history of the former’s efforts will only give Daesh more chances to continue with its despicableness. The anti-Daesh conference held in London last week should lead to nothing but the destruction of this terrorist group, and speedily at that, rather than grab news for its talking heads’ rhetoric. Enough has been said on Daesh. It’s evil, loathsome, a blight on humanity. Condemnation has never helped good triumph over evil. Only ruthless determination has and it’s time the US-led coalition proved this to the world.
