Sir, – In your editorial of September 15th, the question is raised concerning whether Islamic State "poses a direct and serious threat to western countries". This terrorist organisation poses a lethal threat to the people of the Middle East, as evidenced by its murderous assaults against various communities in Iraq and Syria. Nations outside the region should not wait until the threat arrives within their own borders.
Members of Islamic State have publicly issued warnings that it is prepared to carry its campaign of terror to the United States.
When Islamic State issues threats to create a vast region under its control, these remarks are neither accidental nor inconsequential.
The environment of external threats to any nation’s security is no longer defined exclusively by massed armies of millions, or by intercontinental missiles with megaton nuclear warheads. A force of several thousand, or a cadre of just 19 men, can inflict staggering destruction in this age of asymmetrical warfare. – Yours, etc,
DAN DONOVAN,
Shandon Street,
Dungarvan, Co Waterford.