Kerry: Kobane is a tragedy but it has nothing to do with America

The US Secretary of State, John Kerry, said that while Islamic State’s (ISIS) advancement in the city of Ain Al-Arab- Kobane on the Syrian border is a tragedy, it has nothing to do with American strategy in the region. Kerry said that this development will not deter the United States and its allies from pursuing its strategic long term goals for the region.

Secretary Kerry told reporters in Boston, “Kobane is a tragedy because it demonstrates the evils of ISIS, but it has nothing to do with foreign strategy that is occurring in response to ISIS and its actions”.

ISIS has seized control of more than one-third of the Ain Al-Arab-Kobane area despite on-going aerial strikes by the United States. Turkish troops are monitoring the situation but have not participated in the strikes against the militant group.

Kerry also said, “We only have a few weeks to build a coalition. Our goal is to see to it that Iraq is able to form its cabinet and participate in the counter attacks. We still need to distribute tasks accordingly.”

On the other hand, a member of the Russian foreign ministry announced today that establishing any form of a buffer zone in Northern Syria would require the approval of the UN Security Council.

The Interfax News Agency quoted Alexander Ukashevic as saying, “The UN Security Council is the authority that must approve the establishment of such zones”. Ukasehvic’s statement is in reference to the French-backed Turkish request that a buffer zone and a no fly zone are established in northern Syria in order to protect the area that is being controlled by the moderate opposition. This buffer zone is to protect fleeing refugees.