This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia, which closed in 2021.

ISIS Must Be Defeated In Wake Of Paris Attacks: Abbott

Australia Must 'Do More' In Iraq, Syria, Tony Abbott Says

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has urged Australia to do more in Syria and Iraq to defeat Islamic State following the deadly Paris terror attacks.

Abbott has given a number of media interviews following the horrific events in the French capital that have left at least 129 people dead and more than 300 injured.

The ex-PM has reportedly warned that terrorists could be hiding among those fleeing IS as refugees and has emphasised the need for strict border controls.

In his latest media appearance since the tragedy, Abbott called on Australia to boost its efforts in what he called "the war against the death cult ISIL."

"We are playing a very significant part. I certainly think that this latest atrocity, on top of other recent atrocities, does indicate that we do need to do more to tackle this ... at its source in Syria and Iraq," he told Channel 10 on Sunday.

He would not be drawn on whether he wanted to see Australian ground troops deployed to the region.

"Well, this is not something that I think I should be giving public advice to prime ministers and presidents on," Abbott said.

"The point I make is that this ISIL caliphate - it can't be contained. It has to be defeated and it's not going to go away just by wishing it to go away."

The comments come after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who rolled Abbott for the prime ministership in September, said earlier today there could be role for Australian troops as part of any potential peacekeeping mission in Syria.

"Well, there could be," Turnbull said.

"The critical thing is achieving some degree of common purpose between the various parties in Syria. It's a very, very complex part of the world.

"The most effective boots on the ground are going to be Syrian boots on the ground."

Abbott's latest public comments follow a high-profile UK lecture he delivered in October in which he urged European lawmakers to secure their borders.

Close
This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Australia. Certain site features have been disabled. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.