U.N. warns purely military response in Syria could fuel extremism

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned on Tuesday that a solely military response to the threat of Islamic State in Syria could fuel the radicalization of more Sunni armed groups and spark more violence. “Our long-term strategic objective in Syria remains a political solution,” Ban told the U.N. Security Council of efforts to end Syria’s three-and-a-half year civil war. Islamic State has seized large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria, and is being targeted by U.S.-led airstrikes in both countries. The Sunni militant group has crucified and beheaded prisoners and told non-Muslims and Shiites they must convert to its brand of Islam or die.

In addition to the barbarity of [Islamic State], the Syrian government continues to brutally and indiscriminately attack populated areas including with barrel bombs.

Staffan de Mistura, U.N. envoy

U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura, appointed by Ban to mediate a political solution in Syria, has warned that thousands of people could be massacred if Kobani falls to the group. Ban urged the Security Council to fully support the efforts of de Mistura to “reduce the suffering of the Syrian people and contribute to a political solution.” Some 3.2 million Syrians have fled the violence that has killed nearly 200,000 people since 2011, according to the United Nations.

Kobani is just one of many places across Syria where civilians are under imminent threat.

Staffan de Mistura

Syria Middle East