Back Islamic moderates, says Beazley

Former ambassador Kim Beazley says a two-pronged approach is needed to deal with Islamic extremism.

Commenting on the terrorist attacks in Brussels, the former Australian ambassador to the United States said a struggle was under way within Islam between fundamentalists and moderates.

"We have to do what we can to assist those in the Islamic community that argue for coexistence, co-operation and modernism - and hope they win," Mr Beazley told ABC radio on Wednesday.

"We have to do the things to give them the best chance."

Mr Beazley said the other aspect was to "protect ourselves".

"This is not one you can negotiate your way out of," he said.

"You might get a negotiation in Syria ... (but) the international jihadists - ISIS and Al Nusra, which is al-Qaeda - you can't negotiate with them."