Qatari ruler says US-led airstrikes against IS not enough to defeat 'terrorism' in Iraq, Syria

FILE - In this Tuesday, March 25, 2014 file photo, Emir of Qatar Sheik Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, listens during the opening session of the Arab League Summit in Bayan Palace, Kuwait City. Qatar’s ruling emir said Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014 that U.S.-led coalition airstrikes are not enough to defeat “terrorism and extremism” in Iraq and Syria as he urged the world to take action against factors fueling radicalism there _ a suggestion that also took aim at the Syrian regime. (AP Photo/Nasser Waggi, File) (The Associated Press)

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar's ruling emir says U.S.-led coalition airstrikes are not enough to defeat "terrorism and extremism" in Iraq and Syria, and the world must also take action against factors fueling radicalism.

In comments to an advisory council in the Qatari capital of Doha on Tuesday, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani claimed that the key factors fueling extremism in the two Mideast countries are the policies of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government and "some militias in Iraq" — a reference to Iranian-backed Shiite militias.

Qatar plays a supporting role in the U.S.-led military coalition against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria by allowing coalition forces to use its vast al-Udeid air base.

There have been allegations that Qatar supports the Islamic State group but it has denied those charges.