The policy of military non-intervention in Iraq thus far pursued by the David Cameron-led coalition government may change as the U.K. government seeks to shape a suitable response to the threat posed by the jihadist Islamic State.
In a joint article published in The Times to mark the start of the two-day NATO Summit being held in Wales, Mr. Cameron and United States President Barrack Obama have called for countries to abandon an “isolationist approach” to conflict in the 21st century.
The meeting comes in the immediate aftermath of the execution of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff — beheadings that were put on YouTube by the Islamic outfit with threats to behead a British aid worker next.
“Countries like Britain and America will not be cowed by barbaric killers,” the heads of state write. “We will be more forthright in the defence of our values, not least because a world of greater freedom is a fundamental part of how we keep our own people safe.”
Britain has refused to pay ransom to terrorist groups for the release of hostages. The British-accented black-clad jihadist, who claimed responsibility for the beheading of Mr. Foley, appeared in the Sotloff video as well. According to The Times, which quoted an international forensic company, the beheading of Sotloff took place off camera.
Both Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour Party, and Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lib Dems, have signalled their support for military air strikes against IS bases in the wake of the hostage crisis. Mr. Cameron has been reported as telling two days ago that he could initiate military action without the approval of Parliament, if it was in the national interest.
The aid worker whose life is now under threat is from Scotland and a father with two children. As U.S. intelligence is to launch a massive manhunt for “jihadi John” and Britain’s special forces are on alert to rescue the 44-year old aid worker who was captured in northern Syria 19 month ago.
In their joint article, Mr. Cameron and Mr. Obama also condemn Russia’s “illegal, self-declared annexation of Crimea and its troops on Ukrainian soil threatening a sovereign nation state.”
Russian President Vladmir Putin's sevenpoint peace plan for Ukraine will also be discussed at the Summit.
