THE time has come for countries to stand together and take immediate as well as concrete action against Islamic State (IS).
The militant group now controls many territories in northern Iraq and eastern Syria. Its influence has also spread to Middle-Eastern and African countries, like Libya and Nigeria.
With the coming of new communication technology, such as Facebook and Twitter, the group has also spread its barbaric
influence to other parts of the world.
Despite a few operations, mostly air strikes conducted by the United States and a few Arab nations, there does not seem to be enough done to stop the movement as well as the influence of this group.
Recently, the media reported the fall of the Iraqi city of Ramadi in Anbar province, which is close to Baghdad.
Many citizens, including children, women and the elderly, have fled the city.
The group has also declared the takeover of the 2,000-year-old World Heritage Site of Palmyra in eastern Syria, which contains artifacts.
Early this year, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution to choke IS of millions of dollars in earnings from oil smuggling, antiquities trafficking and ransom payments.
The resolution was supported by more than 35 countries in a show of international resolve to confront the threat posed by IS.
The measure also calls for sanctions against individuals and entities that trade in oil with IS and other extremist groups.
Through the resolution, it urges all 193 countries of the United Nations to take “appropriate steps” to prevent trade with IS.
The resolution reminds governments that they must prevent terrorists from benefiting from ransom payments or political concessions to secure the release of hostages.
Drafted under chapter seven of the UN Charter, the resolution can be enforced through sanctions or use of force, even though the text does not authorise military force.
However, more needs to be done.
UN, through the Security Council, must take a stand against the group through its resolution.
Any actions that are going to be taken against IS must be seen as a united world action that consists of cooperation and full support from UN members, as this can
weaken IS from pursuing its dark agenda.
Unity on this matter throughout the international community is crucial because extremists around the world are working hard to drive countries apart from focusing on them.
The world community, including Islamic leaders, must come together to fight against radicalism, violence and extremism posed by IS and other extremist groups before it gets out of control.
Dr Muzaffar Syah Mallow, Bandar Baru Nilai, Negri Sembilan