It is obvious that there is nothing Islamic about the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The ISIS is planning to target a number of Islamic countries also and it is hardly possible to put one’s finger on is subjective. It is therefore not surprising that the Islamic country of Saudi Arabia has announced the formation of a 34-state coalition to fight Islamic terror groups especially the ISIS. The alliance will share information and train, equip and provide sources to wipe out the threat. Besides, deputy crown prince and defence minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin salman has spoken of international coordination with major powers and world organizations to combat ISIS terror. A joint centre of operations is proposed to be set up in Riyadh. But such coordination is showing a tendency to loosen even among western powers particularly between Russia and other western countries. The same goes for the Saudi grand design. Iran is not in it which means the alliance consists only of Sunni nations. Islamabad has always been ambivalent about the war on terrorism, especially of Islamic brand. The differences in the Saudi sponsored coalition have to be ironed out. Also, the misgivings in some Islamic countries about Saudi Arabia’s closeness to the US may also impair the Islamic coalition’s effectiveness.
Admittedly, the ISIS was born out of US intervention in Iraq. Western countries fail to address the social and political aspirations in these Islamic countries. But in no way the religious extremism threatening the lives of many across the world can be tolerated. The Western powers and the UN have a role to play in eliminating the danger. But a coalition of Arab countries fighting the ISIS is most welcome.
