Opportunity amidst calamity

The rise of ISIS and its brutal attacks on various cities in the north of Iraq triggered a serious threat to both Middle East and western countries. On one hand, regional countries such as Iraq and Syria are either directly affected. Mass killings of civilians and onslaught have shocked the region. The brutality and ruthlessness of the group has exceeded all imaginable limits and even Al-Qaida, the real parent of ISIS expressed its dissatisfaction and vividly denounced such inhuman hostility. Apart from damages to lives, economy, and physical assets of the hard-hit countries, the fear of a wide-spread sectarian conflict overshadows Muslim nations. On the other hand, since a considerable share of ISIS Jihadists come from foreign countries and even a great number holds European citizenship, the western governments can no longer conceal their concerns over the issue. They are worried that the extremists' return to their countries would expose their security to unprecedented threats.
Amidst this dire perspective, the necessity for anti-terrorists of the world to unite requires the highest momentum. Recent calls from the United States and Britain to join hands with regional powers and their implicit and explicit remarks concerning cooperation with Iran to find a solution to the problem of extremism are the first signs that this necessity is fully recognized and well understood. Perhaps such cooperation could provide an opportunity for regional and western allies to bury the hatchets and restart friendship. They are aware of mutual national interests and the vitality to safeguard them. Unity and friendship under the shadow of current calamity can be an unavoidable choice while, at the same time, a pleasant coincidence.