British summit: West can not be completely defeated al-Qaeda

General Richards, the British chief of staff, said the al-Qaeda and other radical groups, the Western countries can only suppress their activities, but not completely defeated them.

Richards, former commander of NATO in Afghanistan, said Sir, Islamic radicalism will be at least 30 years in the future pose a threat to Britain.

His interview with the Sunday Times in Britain, said that to obtain a complete victory for the militant group is not possible.

Gardner BBC security correspondent said General Richards's remarks reflect the U.S. and British counter-terrorism circles the "new realism."

Gardner also said that if these things five years ago, would be considered intolerable defeatist argument.

Served as commander in chief of the British Army, General Richards, 58, last month, then Renying Jun chief of staff duties.

General Richards said that al-Qaeda and other radical groups, the best weapon is the "prevention" and promote education and democracy.

He also said that the British have no reason to do in Iraq and Afghanistan as military intervention in other countries problems. But he also admitted that British troops are likely to continue to do so in the future.