Labour and Syria November 2015

Jeremy Corbyn is Leader of the Labour Party. In the context of British politics he is of the Left. A Backbencher in the Commons for many years and a serial breaker of the Labour Whip. A couple of years ago the Prime Minister lost a vote in the Commons seeking to extend a bombing campaign into Syria in support of rebels opposing the Assad regime (by any measure a tyrant determined to hold onto power by any means including the use of chemical weapons). Syria was and is allied to Russia.

By general consensus our escapades in the Middle East and North Africa have not been a success. Indeed it could be argued that our actions (with the USA, France and others) have ensured that what we describe as 'failed/dysfunctional states' become ruined 'failed/dysfunctional states'. It can also be argued that, the space created by making a 'failed state' a certainty by our intervention, would be filled by terrorists. This has come to pass. We now have ISIL/Da'esh – an extreme Jihadist organisation which some have described as a death cult in both Iraq and Syria. I agree. Its origins are in the sands of Arabia – but of that more another time. Having filled the space in Iraq they then moved into Syria and we have the catastrophe that now exists. Where are these 'gung-ho' Liberal Interventionists now! Just because it worked in Kosovo does not mean it works everywhere and in all circumstances.

The Prime Minister (a third rate Public Relations person with an attitude of entitlement) is now coming back seeking (or he will when he thinks he has enough votes) the authorization of the Commons for an air Campaign in Syria as well as Iraq against Da'esh. (UK is already operational in Iraq following a request from their Government).

Reading carefully the Prime Minister's statement and the questions from Jeremy Corbyn (Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition) I see that the argument is framed in terms of the protection of UK citizens i.e. security and safety. This is of great importance but we cannot ignore the terrorist murders in Paris on 13^th November nor those in Beirut, Ankara, Baghdad and other places. President Hollande of France is surely correct that what we face is nothing less than the attempted destruction of our civilization. I am with him and all people who desire a free, pluralistic, democratic and worthwhile place in this world. So my first point is that we must stand and act in solidarity with the French and all like minded people. This does mean an air campaign in Syria against Da'esh.

It is disingenuous to query the UNSC resolution 2249 which clearly states:-

“Noting the letters dated 25^th June and 20^th September 2014 from the Iraqi authorities which state that Da'esh has established a safe haven outside Iraq's borders that is a direct threat to the the security of the Iraqi people and territory,….

5) Calls upon Member States that have the capacity to do so take all necessary measures,…...”

This clearly shows that Da'esh (an enemy who we are attacking in Iraq) is now also in Syria. It follows that we should attack them there!. “All necessary measures” could also not be more clear. It is not restrictive nor conditional (save legality under International Law which it would be!)!

We need to be involved showing solidarity with our French cousins and in support of our way of life. The more strength politically and diplomatically we would have if we were also involved militarily. A country cannot be semi-detached militarily but fully attached politically and diplomatically. You may wish it otherwise but that is not the case. Nobody loves or indeed listens to the pontifications of some sanctimonious moraliser who refuses to get his/her hands dirty. So most important are the political and diplomatic positions. Militarily our contribution will be small but the political and diplomatic benefits make it very worthwhile.

What is important is the endgame/exit strategy. We should use are full engagement to ensure, as far as we are able:-

cease fire between Assad and his non Da'esh enemies, creation of safe havens in Iraq and Syria, humanitarian aid, re-construction and sustainable democratic institutions in both countries. This will not be a quick fix but it is better to try than not or even worse just sit on the sidelines carping and wringing your hands.

Then perhaps Labour can get on with its historic task of making this country more equal and an even better place to live.