Syrian Foreign Minister Welcomes Foreign Cooperation Against the I.S. with Preconditions

On Monday morning, the Syrian Foreign Minister, Walid Mouallem, held a press conference to address Syria’s cooperation with the recently passed U.N. Resolution 2170. Mouallem stated that “Syria is ready to cooperate” in regards to recent comments made by the White House addressing the possibility of U.S. airstrikes in Syria.

Immediately after Mouallem’s comments regarding Syria’s cooperation, he pointed out certain preconditions that must be met prior to airstrikes; failure to do so would deter Syrian Government support.

“Any violation of Syria’s sovereignty would be viewed as an act of aggression.” – Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Mouallem

The White House Assistant to the President, Joshua Earnest, stated  the U.S.’ goal is to target the Islamic State’s presence in the region. Furthermore, he added that the U.S. is not willing to begin relations with the Syrian Government and that this attack would aimed at obstructing the I.S.’ growth.

“We are not interested in working with the Assad regime.” – White House Assistant Joshua Earnest

The Islamic State rapid growth has caused much instability in the region; specifically, in Iraq, where sectarian strife has destabilized the country and escalated into violence. NGOs have confirmed the diaspora of Christians and Yazidi Kurds in northern Iraq, along with many brutal beheadings committed by the Islamic State. Most notably, the Islamic State’s recent video depicting the beheading of Global Post journalist, James Foley, has sparked outrage around the world.

Fear has spread amongst neighboring countries, where the Islamic State seeks to recruit males in order to spread their ideology and contribute to their fight. Two weeks ago, the Lebanese Army confronted members of the Islamic State in the ‘Arsal District, killing more than 140 militants in the process. 29 Lebanese Army soldiers were taken prisoner by the Islamic State and remain in the I.S.’ custody.

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