We cannot live with Islamic State so we shall have to live without them

Of course it is complicated. Of course there are no obvious or simple or even, perhaps, persuasive solutions. And yet, despite that, some things are clear.

First, is confronting Islamic State in this country’s interest?

Yes. Because the alternative is even worse. Foreign policy only rarely affords the choice between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ options. It is not a risk-free enterprise. Often, the options lie between ‘unpalatable’ and ‘appalling’. But we are where we are and no good can come from pretending reality can be wished away.

If it was not apparent before, it should now be clear that ‘containing’ Islamic State is a non-starter. The alternative to confrontation is, in the end, accepting that Islamic State will be permitted to hold onto the territory it has conquered and the rudimentary state-apparatus it has constructed. If Islamic State is not weakened it must grow stronger. Is that in our interest? I doubt it.

From which it follows that squeezing ISIS is desirable.