Reasonable suggestion

The draft resolution circulated recently by Russia among the UN Security Council members, aiming to cut off funds to the terrorist organisation that calls itself Islamic State is a welcome and timely initiative.

Moscow’s move came in the wake of the Security Council’s recent resolution condemning the murder of pilot Muath Kasasbeh and other captives IS has held in recent times.

Realising that condemnation is not enough to face the dangers of terrorism and radicalism in the region, the Russian government decided to take a further step and suggest a measure that could make a real difference in the fight against Daesh.

Russia proposes stopping buying oil from IS, no matter how attractive the price, interrupting buying, and then selling, antiques stolen by IS from Syrian and Iraqi sources of cultural heritage, and halting any payment of ransom in case other hostages are taken.

All this makes sense and should not be difficult to implement.

Funds available to IS have been dropping quite fast, especially because of the plunge in oil prices.

The terrorist group has been trying to compensate for this huge loss by sinister means, including taking hostage people belonging to rich nations.

Drying up IS’ coffers is, no doubt, one effective way to weaken it.

Aerial bombardment of IS bases in Syria and Iraq is obviously not enough. As long as its sick principles, wrapped in the respectability of religion, continue to attract followers, this noxious hydra will sprout more heads.

The Russian draft resolution deserves the support of all Security Council members; indeed, it should be binding on all nations.

As a non-permanent member of the council, Jordan, at the forefront of countries waging war on terrorist organisations, might consider co-sponsoring Russia’s draft resolution.

This scourge has to be stopped, and any promising step needs to be supported.