Sir, – The repugnant barbarism of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, and the threat it poses to a large part of the world, cannot be overestimated. The terrorists inflicting these grotesque crimes must be brought to justice. However continued military action against the fanatical group is not the solution.
On the contrary, America’s military involvement in a region plagued by injustice and other social ills is likely to serve as a recruiting tool for extremists.
Islamic State is itself an unintended consequence of our war in Iraq. Today, al-Qaeda is not only in Iraq but has also spread to Yemen, Somalia and Syria. It is its more ruthless offshoot. What the people of the Middle East need most are peace, jobs and justice. Military action by the United States and its regional allies would only add to the bloodshed and intensify the problems that breed extremism. – Yours, etc,
RICHARD COFFEY,
Wainsfort Manor Crescent,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.