Neil Carmichael MP says ‘challenging’ ISIL is not enough while intervention by the United Kingdom is lawful

THERE is strong cross-party consensus for military action in support of the government of Iraq as it confronts the Islamic State (ISIL).

This has emerged as the seriousness of the situation has become clearer but also because of the appropriately measured and cautious approach as set out by the Prime Minister and supported by the leader of the opposition.

ISIL is something new.

It is extremely brutal, completely unwilling to negotiate, devoid of any compassion and well resourced.

It cannot be compared to any other existing Arab nation or even other terrorist groups.

“Challenging it” is not sufficient; it must be destroyed.

Descriptions of its murderous and genocidal activities are difficult to comprehend.

ISIL was created in Iraq and revolves around the Sunni-majority areas in the north and now has significant territory under its control including large parts of Syria.

It is intent on smashing these and other states, replacing them with an extremist and dominant regime.

Iraq is already at war with ISIL but has asked for additional help – recently through the United Nations – so intervention by the United Kingdom is completely lawful.

While our direct military activities will be confined to air attacks, the Department for International Development has already provided significant funds and support for humanitarian aid, and, via the Ministry of Defence, ammunition and equipment has been sent to northern Iraq and, especially, Kurdish fighters.

Action by the United States has, already, had a positive impact by effectively saving Baghdad from the ISIL.

This matters because ultimate success against ISIL depends on the ability of Iraqis to defeat it on the ground and, simultaneously, to improve governance of Iraq to the extent it becomes inclusive and democratic.

ISIL’s activities have also altered the attitudes of and relations between regional powers as they have struggled to respond to threats – Iran illustrates this point as it has already reached out to its rival, Saudi Arabia.

This is why many other states, including Jordon, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Lebanon have supported action.

Solving this crisis is going to be complicated, demanding and dependent on being responsive to evolving circumstances.