Berlin May Join Anti-ISIL Operation in Syria – German Media

After Russia and France started coordinating their anti-terrorist efforts in Syria, Germany may join the war against the Islamic State (ISIL) terrorist group.

The Russian Aerospace Forces have intensified their airstrikes against ISIL positions in Syria and following the string of terrorist attacks in Paris, France has also stepped up its military operations.

Now, Germany might join the war on terrorism in the Middle East region, Spiegel reported.

According to the article, representatives of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany have submitted the initiative to the government.

"Germany must be prepared to launch a military operation against ISIL," Thomas Hitschler, a CDU member, said.

He added that the format of German cooperation in an anti-ISIL operation would depend on its partners.

The idea of Germany’s involvement in fighting ISIL is supported by many in the country, except for the The Greens.

"Of course, a military operation could be a way to solve the crisis. But the main goal is to find the diplomatic solution. I’m not talking about negotiations with terrorists. We must shut off the air supply to them to prevent the spread of terrorism. Thus, we have to find the diplomatic solution to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq," Klaus Hartmann, President of the German Freethinkers League, told Sputnik.

"The political solution is possible only if all sides are involved in cooperation, including both rebel groups and government representatives. We should not follow Washington which has supported illegal groups to topple President Bashar al-Assad. The US policy is to blame for the current situation in Syria as well as for the recent terrorist attacks," he underscored.

"Military actions are needed against ISIL, but ISIL cannot be defeated solely with military force. For instance, support is needed for Sunnis in Syria and Iraq to turn them away from ISIL as their only ally. So the role of Assad as president is doubtful," Omid Nouripour, a German leftist lawmaker, told Sputnik.

On September 30, Russia launched a military offensive against ISIL militants in Syria, at the request of President Bashar al-Assad. Russian warplanes have been targeting ISIL infrastructure facilities, including command points, training camps and ammo depots, and providing support for the Syrian Army which is operating on the ground.

Earlier this week, Russia and France established a joint working group to coordinate actions in Syria.