Forward Thinking attend MOD Special Briefing on UK military involvement in Syria, 3rd February 2016

On the 3rd February 2016, Forward Thinking were invited to attend an MOD Briefing from the Chief of Defence Staff, Sir Nicholas Houghton OBE, and the Service Chiefs, regarding British military involvement in Syria to date. Introducing the briefing and taking questions were Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, and The Rt Hon Earl Howe, Minister of State for Defence.

Organised through the Armed Forces Islamic Advisory Forum, the briefing brought together diverse Muslim community representatives from across the UK and provided an opportunity to discuss the UK's strategy against Da'esh in Iraq and Syria.

The military campaign was recognised as one element of a campaign, coordinated conjunction with a coalition of 60 nations committed to combatting the group, that also encompasses disruption of the group's economic base, addressing the migration of foreign fighters, stabilisation and reconstruction in vulnerable and liberated areas, and countering the group's ideology. Clarity over purpose and strategy was said to be often obscured by media sound-bytes and political rhetoric.

Discussions also focused on the domestic need for the army to engage with, and be representative of all members of British society, the efforts being made in this respect, and the need for greater communication. Participants questions focused on the desire for similar forums for frank discussion with the Home Office and DCLG and the need for regular convening of such meetings to enable deeper discussion on the issues raised.