Islamic State (IS) militants cannot be defeated by military action alone, according to a leading expert.

Mokhtar Lamani, who is former UN political representative in Syria and former Arab League representative in Iraq, said the terrorist organisation would easily re-adapt and form splinter groups across the region if international governments do not consider other solutions, such as political reconciliation, reported the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He was speaking at a press conference held yesterday at the International Peace Institute (IPI) Middle East and North Africa regional office.

“The problem is not only the Islamic State but also the rise of radical groups driven by its ideology surfacing in other parts of the world,” he said.

“Look at what happened in [French satirical weekly] Charlie Hebdo's case where for the first time this ideology attracted criminals looking for some adventure.

“Ten years ago Al Qaeda was the big devil, but now we have a huge movement of radicalisation stemming from it.

“The problem is that the international community only reacts rather than taking any action.

“This action should not only be security related but should also focus on political reconciliation. It is high time the concerned parties sit together and explore all possibilities.”

Lamani, who has held frequent meetings with both rebel and regime representatives in Syria, said US-led air strikes against the IS have not produced any results.

The latest Pentagon assessment states IS has been losing ground in Iraq, but the group's territorial control in Syria has remained unchanged.

“You cannot address the problem by dropping 100 or 200 bombs,” stressed Lamani.

“I am not saying the US-led air strikes against IS are bad, but it's almost a year now and things are the same.

“The Islamic State continues to attract foreign fighters from around the world.”

He described the militant group as a 'lizard in the desert' that could take years to exterminate.

“They know how to swim in troubled waters of the region,” he added.

“IS or Daesh is not an organisation or mafia with proper structure of leaders, it is like a McDonald's franchise that can be found anywhere.”

Lamani also held closed-door meetings with more than 40 diplomats, researchers and experts in the presence of IPI Mena director Nejib Friji.

He conducted a presentation, 'Syria, Iraq and Daesh: Regional Complexities and Global Ramifications'. - TradeArabia News Service