Federal advisers say the Islamic State, also known as ISIL or ISIS, will continue to threaten the Middle East because “no progress” has been made towards an effective political solution in Syria.
The assessment is contained in a memo prepared for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he took office in November. It was obtained by The Canadian Press news agency under the Access to Information Act.
The memo warns that the conflict in Iraq and Syria endangers the entire region, including key allies Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey.
It adds that ISIL has capitalized on weak governance and sectarian tensions in Syria and Iraq to take over large swaths of territory in both countries.
Ottawa has tried to bolster relations with Iraq through diplomatic efforts and ministerial visits and pressured Iraqi leaders to make a concerted effort to confront ISIL advances and mend internal divisions that threaten Iraq’s long-term stability.
Canada severed diplomatic ties with Syria in 2012, designating the country as a state sponsor of terrorism and imposed several rounds of economic sanctions.
Trudeau has promised to end Canada’s combat role against ISIL in Iraq and Syria but says Canada will remain a participant in the fight against the militants. How and in what capacity remains unclear.
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