Tony Abbott insists the crisis in Syria needs both a humanitarian and military response.
"It is very important over time to do what we can to restore a kind of order in this very, very dark and difficult part of the world," the prime minister told the Seven Network as cabinet prepares to discuss a US request to extend Australian airstrike operations to Islamic State targets in Syria.
Mr Abbott says it's also necessary to create safe havens for stranded citizens on the borders around Syria and inside the strife-torn nation.
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