The Fight Against Islamic Terrorism

I have no insight into the potential military impact of the UK extending its participation on Operation Shader to include targets in Syria but I suspect it will be marginal.  However, we are told that further UK involvement is essential to degrade and destroy "ISIL"  and to keep us safe at home.  Sorry Prime Minister, I just do not buy that as a package.

We could certainly degrade ISIL by targetting them, wherever they are but why stop at Syria - what about Brussels or Birmingham for that matter? As for destroying them and making a peaceful space in Syria thereafter, that is another matter as many professional soldiers and diplomats have written recently.  It is an important consideration but because of the complexity of the circumstances we should not be surprised if no hard and fast answers can be given in advance.  What is certain, however, is that wringing our hands and doing nothing will not improve a deteriorating situation.

So I do believe in extending our bombing mission to Syria for 2 very important reasons.  Firstly, it shows that the UK stands with our allies in the West, particularly France.  Secondly, it is revenge for a series of gross atrocities.  We may not get them all on the first pass but, slowly and surely, if we can hold our nerve, we will indeed destroy the dark forces that threaten our civilisation.  In 1940, Churchill made no short-term promises but he did warn of the danger of falling into the abyss of Hitler's new dark age.  The Prime Minister should be similarly honest - he cannot promise that our streets will be safer as a result of bombing in Syria but he can rally the Nation to join the international fight against pervasive Islamic terrorism.  This could be another "finest hour!"