Australia and ISIS in the region

The United States is drifting, with a seriously trouble President at the helm, it cannot be relied on to address the regional issue of IS and the growing radicalisation of separatist movements. Whatever focus it has remains on China and North Korea. In any case President Duterte will not have a bar of Donald Trump and wants no US help in handling his local insurgency. Indonesia is co-operating with the CIA, FBI and AFP in uncovering radical activists but clearly more needs to be done in light of the IS siege of Marawi which included Indonesian terrorists.

Following an attack on a casino in Manilla, which has the hallmarks of a revenge fuelled undertaking rather than a terror attack, President Duterte, looks set to impose martial law over the whole of the Philippines. It was probably the excuse he was looking for.

Australia, through its sound diplomatic representation in the region, should begin a process of bringing together states most affected by the activities of separatist extremists, like Abu Sayyaf and returning IS fighters. It should take a lead, perhaps institutionalising an approach looking at not only containing violence but also at the appeal of radical Islam. It might examine poverty and the paucity of educational opportunity as a motivator in separatist sentiment which has played a part in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia and education. It might rethink its regional aid policy. Guns alone will not stop the emotional and intellectual adherence to a cause.

Australia might also give thought to the radicalisation its refugee 'policies' may encourage amongst those affected by brutality on Manus and Nauru and those left to rot in Indonesia. A little thought and compassion might save many lives.