Bombing the Islamic State is counter-productive

It is my view that bombing the Islamic State will be counterproductive we need a much more clearly thought-out and rational approach. It is clear that Western Governments simply do not understand the culture and politics of the Middle East and the Levant their intervention only makes matters worse. There can only be a regional solution which is brokered by the United Nations. Shooting from the hip is not the best solution.

Saudi Arabia is a key player; the Islamic State has received much intellectual and religious support from Saudi Arabia. The Islamic State has drawn on many of the ideas of punishment and religious advocacy from Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia needs to rein in its devotees.

Turkey and Iran must also be involved in a regional solution as they both have huge armies which could easily be deployed if either country sees its interests as being threatened. We cannot afford a general war within the region. We also have to take into account the sensibilities of Iraq, Israel, the Kurds and Syria. It may be anathema to the Western nations to enter into to talks with Syria but as Churchill said: "Jaw, Jaw is better than War War".

There is a case for the Kurds being allowed their own state or much greater autonomy for their people who live in both Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria.

Russia is also an important player which needs to consulted as they have enormous influence on Syria.

The "do as we say" attitude of the Western powers is unhelpful; they need to be honest and impartial brokers of a solution in co-operation with all the other nations that have a stake in the Middle East and the Levant.

The Islamic State needs to be contained but not by war on the part of the Western nations; but of course neighbouring states or communities should not be denied the right of self defence . We need to provide safe havens for refugees.

All dictatorships eventually destroy themselves as a result of their cruelty. Those who have committed crimes against humanity should be hunted down arrested and tried, and if found guilty, they should be imprisoned for the rest of their lives. They should denied the easy option of suicide or death by bombing and should face the magnitude of their crimes in gaol.