This is with reference to the report “US ‘no’ to boots on the ground” (Nov. 17). Washington is making a huge mistake. Even a layman could understand the possible consequences of this “no boots” policy. Had the US and other forces committed ground forces to fight in Syria, the Paris attacks would have been averted. Airstrikes in Syria will only add to the destruction of the already war-torn country. Secondly, airstrikes don’t differentiate between non-combatants and terrorists, particularly in the case of Syria.

The international community’s strategy to fight terrorism is inherently flawed.

The current strategy is basically helping terrorists gain recruits and radicalizing people, particularly the youth, who lose their loved ones in air raids carried out by various international forces. This is an important point that appears to be lost on the international community. As a matter of fact, since the beginning of the war on terror, the war strategy has only helped the extremists. After more than a decade, terrorist attacks are still taking place and extremists are still on the move, which indicates that the war on terror has not been very successful. The world leaders seriously need to rethink their strategy. Stricter border controls, tougher screening at airports and profiling of suspects are but part of the overall action plan.

The aim should be to stop radicalization of people, which requires careful handling of this highly inflammable situation. Sending ground troops to Syria will help reduce civilian casualties. The United States should revisit its Syria policy before the situation gets out of control.

Fahad Ahmed

Dammam