Air strike can’t destroy terrorism: Iran

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani has dismissed the effectiveness of military strikes as a method to eradicate terrorist groups.

In a Friday interview with CNN on the sidelines of the 69th meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York, Rouhani argued that anti-terrorist operations require planning as well as comprehensive cultural, social, political, economic and intelligence measures.

“Terrorist groups are constantly on the move and they are not a regular army that can be harmed by a single bombardment. Aerial operations are more of a psychological [war] and a show rather than being capable of eliminating terrorism,” he added.

Rouhani underlined the importance of democratic demands in every county’s fate, saying, “Terrorist groups should not be given any room, but rather people should be given room to participate and have a say in political and social issues. Whatever the people decide is legitimate.”

The remarks come as the US and some of its allies begun pounding ISIL positions in Syria on Tuesday, following a similar and ongoing campaign in Iraq, where the ISIL is also carrying out terrorist activities.

The US-led bombing campaign in Syria occurs without the UN mandate the Syrian government’s permission. Damascus has, however, announced that it was informed of the aerial campaign.

Rouhani described Iran as the pioneer of countering terrorism, adding, “Iran was the first country that rushed to help the Iraqi people and government in fighting the ISIL.”

The Iranian president called for global responsibility to counter terrorism and urged all countries to join efforts to create a world without violence and extremism.

ASH/NN/HRB