Obama: Terror threat against US has entered 'new phase'

[webfact]

Obama: Terror threat against US has entered 'new phase'
JULIE PACE, AP White House Correspondent

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rare Oval Office address, President Barack Obama vowed Sunday night the United States would overcome a new phase of the terror threat that seeks to "poison the minds" of people here and around the world, as he sought to reassure Americans shaken by recent attacks in Paris and California.

The president's speech followed Wednesday's shooting in San Bernardino, California, that killed 14 people and wounded 21. Authorities say a couple carried out the attack and the wife pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and its leader in a Facebook post.

"I know that after so much war, many Americans are asking whether we are confronted by a cancer that has no immediate cure," he said, speaking from a lectern in his West Wing office. "The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it."

Obama said in his 13-minute address that while there was no evidence the shooters were directed by a terror network overseas or part of a broader plot, "the two of them had gone down the dark path of radicalization."

In speaking from the Oval Office, Obama turned to a tool of the presidency that he has used infrequently. His decision to speak in prime time reflected the White House's concern that his message on the recent attacks hasn't broken through, particularly in the midst of a heated presidential campaign.

Yet Obama's speech was likely to leave his critics unsatisfied. He announced no significant shift in U.S. strategy and offered no new policy prescriptions for defeating IS, underscoring both his confidence in his current approach and the lack of easy options for countering the extremist group.

Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan dismissed the president's address as "a half-hearted attempt to defend and distract from a failing policy."

Obama did call for cooperation between private companies and law enforcement to ensure potential attackers can't use technology to evade detection. He also urged Congress to pass new force authorization for military actions under way against IS in Iraq and Syria, and also to approve legislation to bar guns from being sold to people prohibited from flying on planes in the U.S. for terrorist concerns.

And he implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State is driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

The spread of radical Islam into American communities, he said, is "a real problem that Muslims must confront without excuse."

The president's most specific policy announcement was to order the departments of State and Homeland Security to review the fiance visa program that the female shooter in California used to enter the U.S. In his remarks, Obama referred to a visa waiver program that Congress is also reviewing, but the White House later clarified he meant the fiance program.

He also reiterated his call for broader gun control legislation, saying no matter how effective law enforcement and intelligence agencies are, they can't identify every would-be shooter. He called it a matter of national security to prevent potential killers from getting guns.

"What we can do, and must do, is make it harder for them to kill," he said.

Obama stands little chance of getting the Republican-led Congress to agree to any gun control measures. On Thursday, the Senate rejected legislation barring people suspected by the government of being terrorists from purchasing firearms. Gun rights advocates say such a ban would violate the rights of people who haven't been convicted of crimes.

Congress also has been unable to coalesce behind any plan to authorize more force against IS, and the administration's proposal has languished since February.

Obama repeated his long-standing opposition to an American-led ground war in the Middle East and made no mention of the more aggressive action others have suggested, including a enforcing a no-fly zone and safe corridors in Syria.

"Our success won't depend on tough talk, or abandoning our values or giving in to fear," he said. "Instead, we will prevail by being strong and smart, resilient and relentless."

After the speech, the president appeared as previously scheduled at the Kennedy Center Honors tribute in Washington.

The president's critics — and increasingly, some members of his own party — have questioned his strategy. Hours before he spoke, Hillary Clinton — his former secretary of state and the front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination — said the U.S. is "not winning" the fight against IS.

Obama has insisted that the Islamic State is contained in Iraq and Syria. However, the group has set its sights elsewhere in the world, launching attacks in Lebanon and Turkey and downing a Russia airliner over Egypt.

The Nov. 13 attacks in Paris marked the group's most aggressive actions in Europe, a coordinated effort that left 130 people dead and wounded hundreds more.

Last week, the terror threat drew even closer for Americans when a couple — a 29-year-old woman originally from Pakistan and her 28-year-old American-born husband — launched an attack on a holiday luncheon in San Bernardino.

The FBI is investigating the massacre as a terrorist attack that, if proved, would be the deadliest by Islamic extremists on American soil since Sept. 11, 2001.

The woman pledged allegiance to IS and its leader in a Facebook post, according to U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss the case publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A Facebook official said the post came about the time the couple stormed the San Bernardino social service center.
___

AP writer Donna Cassata contributed to this report.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-12-07

[khwaibah]

That was 10 minuets of wasted time.

[JakeSully]

I feel he's like LBJ.. best domestic President of most people's lifetime since then, but we're getting drawn into another long drawn out war.

He is addressing some concerns though.. almost all radical islamic terrorists got there on visas.. and once there, they have constitutional rights to buy guns, so something needs to be done.

[Usernames]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

[ezzra]

I'm sure that by now, and for some time now, Obama must be cursing IS under his breath for bringing this calamities and mayhem on his head just when his about to hand over the keys, thinking couldn't those guys held on for just a little bit longer so I can go home and not have these headaches on me now?

[dexterm]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Violence does not happen in a vacuum.

Rather it is the West that has been interfering with Middle East affairs for over 100 years now, carving up the region, supporting corrupt governments and dictators to suit their own interests, ignoring ethnic, tribal and religious borders.The chickens are now coming home to roost.

I am no fan of the barbaric IS, and I hope they get whats coming to them. But the West bears a heavy responsibility in creating the conditions for their formation in the first place by destroying Iraqi infrastructure in a completely unnecessary war.

Edited December 7, 2015 by dexterm

[Seastallion]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Violence does not happen in a vacuum.

Rather it is the West that has been interfering with Middle East affairs for over 100 years now, carving up the region, supporting corrupt governments and dictators to suit their own interests, ignoring ethnic, tribal and religious borders.The chickens are now coming home to roost.

I am no fan of the barbaric IS, and I hope they get whats coming to them. But the West bears a heavy responsibility in creating the conditions for their formation in the first place by destroying Iraqi infrastructure in a completely unnecessary war.

[Usernames]

If it's "the West" at fault, please explain why Egypt, a country with contiguous borders for almost 5000 years, remains a political, social, and economic basket case? In fact, the only times the country has experienced relative stability and peace was under Roman rule and for about 3/4 of a century under British occupation. Even in pharaonic times, it was constantly undergoing civil distress and social upset. It must be something in the water.

[dexterm]

If it's "the West" at fault, please explain why Egypt, a country with contiguous borders for almost 5000 years, remains a political, social, and economic basket case? In fact, the only times the country has experienced relative stability and peace was under Roman rule and for about 3/4 of a century under British occupation. Even in pharaonic times, it was constantly undergoing civil distress and social upset. It must be something in the water.

..and for about 3/4 century under British occupation

.

QED...exactly my point. Google 1956 Suez crisis while you are at it.

Now that is just one of all the countries in the region that the West has interfered with. Google the history of every single country in the area and you will find European and US meddling since WW1.

It's about time we treated people in the region with justice and respect. Ultimately that approach is in our own best interests.

Edited December 7, 2015 by dexterm

[Seastallion]

If it's "the West" at fault, please explain why Egypt, a country with contiguous borders for almost 5000 years, remains a political, social, and economic basket case? In fact, the only times the country has experienced relative stability and peace was under Roman rule and for about 3/4 of a century under British occupation. Even in pharaonic times, it was constantly undergoing civil distress and social upset. It must be something in the water.

I don't follow you (il)logic.

Just because some ME countries are basket cases domestically without Western interference, does not mean the most part of the region's woes were not initiated by Western meddling and grasping.

[Steely Dan]

I wonder when the Obama. Administration will itself enter a new phase? Currently they can't even bring themselves to say the words Islamic terrorism. Every terrorist act leads to a wall of silence, disinformation, denial, obfuscation. Upholding the constitution instead of trying to dismantle it would be a start seeing as said constitution gives U.S citizens the means to resist the Islamists.

[jing jing]

I wonder why it is that some Americans seem to expect they should be informed - on an international TV broadcast - of exactly what strategy will be employed to defeat the enemy. Perhaps the President should prepare a few alternative battle plans and submit them to Al Jazeera, so that IS may choose which one they like the best. He could even call it a "crusade," like his predecessor did, just to give the opposing team some bulletin board material. Or give them a time and location for the beginning of Shock and Awe, like W did with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

[up2u2]

Right Wing conservative governments do so much damage. W Bush allows the Hawks to take charge destabilising the Middle East. Absolutely no end in sight to this mess. Okay for the conservatives to say 'oops that was a bit of a mistake' but the World is left to try and clean up the mess. The more bombs you explode the more hatred is generated and the ideology goes global.

[arjunadawn]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Spot on. I have another take on the black comedy called "new phase;" it is all sleight of hand to have folks looking 'here,' when the problem is 'there.' The new phase is a production of a long standing phase, one which Obama will not mention- Civilization Jihad. Like his sycophants who run Justice and Homeland, the issue is always deflected. Where something must be conceded, it is never exactly what the problem is. These [people] were not radicalized by self, nor by contacts overseas. These people were radicalized by long standing connections throughout North America via the North American Islamic Trust, Saudi mosques, Muslim Brotherhood Student Unions, and of course, the ever law leveraging CAIR. Its the most ridiculous open secret- if you want to know where someone is radicalized pick a mosque!

Islamic jihad radicalization has been taking place in the US for some time. All the foundations are laid by the countless mosques purchased and ran from overseas in what amounts to an "agent of a foreign government" deal, not a religion. Religion may ostensibly be the purpose but this distinction is lost the moment sharia is discussed as the moment it is even mentioned it becomes sedition- there can be no other way. The religion is fine, its the sedition by foreign agent that seeks the destruction of America- this is the problem. These people popping up on radar are not a new phase, its evidence of a former phase.

[pitrevie]

I wonder when the Obama. Administration will itself enter a new phase? Currently they can't even bring themselves to say the words Islamic terrorism. Every terrorist act leads to a wall of silence, disinformation, denial, obfuscation. Upholding the constitution instead of trying to dismantle it would be a start seeing as said constitution gives U.S citizens the means to resist the Islamists.

I guess for the same reason we don't describe the actions of any right wing nut job that kills people at Planned Parenthood as Christian terrorism. The perpetrator might well regard himself as a Christian and is undoubtedly a terrorist but its a big step from that to labeling all that follow that faith the same.

[LukKrueng]

That was 10 minuets of wasted time.

I'll take your word for it. Too long to read anyway.......

[Dumbastheycome]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Violence does not happen in a vacuum.

Rather it is the West that has been interfering with Middle East affairs for over 100 years now, carving up the region, supporting corrupt governments and dictators to suit their own interests, ignoring ethnic, tribal and religious borders.The chickens are now coming home to roost.

I am no fan of the barbaric IS, and I hope they get whats coming to them. But the West bears a heavy responsibility in creating the conditions for their formation in the first place by destroying Iraqi infrastructure in a completely unnecessary war.

Contriving may be a more accurate word than creating.

[Dumbastheycome]

New phase????? Or "next step"?

[Dumbastheycome]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Spot on. I have another take on the black comedy called "new phase;" it is all sleight of hand to have folks looking 'here,' when the problem is 'there.' The new phase is a production of a long standing phase, one which Obama will not mention- Civilization Jihad. Like his sycophants who run Justice and Homeland, the issue is always deflected. Where something must be conceded, it is never exactly what the problem is. These [people] were not radicalized by self, nor by contacts overseas. These people were radicalized by long standing connections throughout North America via the North American Islamic Trust, Saudi mosques, Muslim Brotherhood Student Unions, and of course, the ever law leveraging CAIR. Its the most ridiculous open secret- if you want to know where someone is radicalized pick a mosque!

Islamic jihad radicalization has been taking place in the US for some time. All the foundations are laid by the countless mosques purchased and ran from overseas in what amounts to an "agent of a foreign government" deal, not a religion. Religion may ostensibly be the purpose but this distinction is lost the moment sharia is discussed as the moment it is even mentioned it becomes sedition- there can be no other way. The religion is fine, its the sedition by foreign agent that seeks the destruction of America- this is the problem. These people popping up on radar are not a new phase, its evidence of a former phase.

And what completes the irony of the black comedy is that the directors are the nearest enemy of the agents.

[arjunadawn]

I wonder when the Obama. Administration will itself enter a new phase? Currently they can't even bring themselves to say the words Islamic terrorism. Every terrorist act leads to a wall of silence, disinformation, denial, obfuscation. Upholding the constitution instead of trying to dismantle it would be a start seeing as said constitution gives U.S citizens the means to resist the Islamists.

I guess for the same reason we don't describe the actions of any right wing nut job that kills people at Planned Parenthood as Christian terrorism. The perpetrator might well regard himself as a Christian and is undoubtedly a terrorist but its a big step from that to labeling all that follow that faith the same.

Wrong! This is brutally inaccurate. Not only did I make clear that one needs not really wait for a justice department announcement- if it smells like a duck... it is a duck- an aggrieved christian- but the entire US media elite quickly and loudly pronounced this as such, a christian terrorist.

There are many like me who have zero use for any violence couched in god but the facts are so blatant by 2015 that people are becoming irritated by the disconnect- that islamic terrorism is not, actually, islamic at all. Its dizzying and without a constructive narrative that admits this and responsibly narrows and confines it, people are left with no choice because all the dots connect to the same place. No constructive narrative that assembles verifiable facts equals countless millions constructing their own narrative of the source for islamic jihad, without the benefit of responsible steering.

People may try and label all christians as terrrorists for the acts of a few or foundational christianity as the source and inspiration but you do not nor do others because it would not stick. It does not carry weight. It is not evidenced by the broad, unrelenting christian jihad upon western and eastern civilization nor is there sanctuary in christian scriptures for terrorism or killing others who are not christians. Any christian behaves like this it is unambiguous- there is no safety in commandment. There is zero evidence of an existential threat to supplant western culture and erect Byzantium II.

[Dumbastheycome]

AS genuinely sad as the deaths and maimings of victims of media specific "terror" attacks are the number of people "mistakenly / accidentally" shot and killed, run down in pursuits of justice, summarily executed to protect positions political or monetary, blameless victims of "anti terror" operations, victims of friendly fire, deaths from defective products ( food, pharmecuticals, vehicles) etc.....outnumber the well publicized convenient victims of a contrived conflict !

The attempt to make comparable if not more significant the events in Californica in apathetic sympathy for Paris was a simple demonstration.

[Andaman Al]

It's time for a spot the difference competition!!!!

One is a religious extremist who should be jailed and the other is a ..........

If the one on the right offends you and the one on the left makes you feel proud, you are a hypocrite and just as bad as the one on the right!!

Edited December 7, 2015 by Andaman Al

[Dumbastheycome]

Maybe this is the outcome .

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154381737144638&set=a.48028389637.71160.735314637&type=3

[Andaman Al]

Maybe this is the outcome .

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154381737144638&set=a.48028389637.71160.735314637&type=3

I am getting content unavailable.

[connda]

And I actually voted for the loser the first time.

Fool me once, shame on you,

Fool me twice, shame on me.

[connda]

It's time for a spot the difference competition!!!!

One is a religious extremist who should be jailed and the other is a ..........

If the one on the right offends you and the one on the left makes you feel proud, you are a hypocrite and just as bad as the one on the right!!

If the one on the left mowed down unarmed civilians, I'd condemn her too. Until then, she looks like a patriot, young American woman exercising her freedom of religion and freedom to bear arms. I don't condone terrorist acts regardless of race, religion, or national origin, but one has to act before the condemnation. No hypocrisy. But if I was a betting man, and the bet was which one is the most likely to be involved in a terrorist action, I'd have to place my bets on the right. Why? There is a precedent that has already been set. How many America red-neck gals from the Bible Belt have been involved in terrorist activities as compared to Middle Eastern women from Islamic countries. History speaks for itself. Just saying...

Edited December 7, 2015 by connda

[Dustdevil]

The president implored Americans to not turn against Muslims at home, saying the Islamic State was driven by a desire to spark a war between the West and Islam. Still, he called on Muslims in the U.S. and around the world to take up the cause of fighting extremism.

Note for the clueless simpleton in the White House. This "new phase," as you call it, has been going on since the 1970s (Black September anyone?). And while you want to send out hashtags with "hug a muslim" on it, they have been at war with the West for at least three generations now. You either don't have a clue or you welcome the way things have turned out.

Violence does not happen in a vacuum.

Rather it is the West that has been interfering with Middle East affairs for over 100 years now, carving up the region, supporting corrupt governments and dictators to suit their own interests, ignoring ethnic, tribal and religious borders.The chickens are now coming home to roost.

I am no fan of the barbaric IS, and I hope they get whats coming to them. But the West bears a heavy responsibility in creating the conditions for their formation in the first place by destroying Iraqi infrastructure in a completely unnecessary war.

Well...there you go again... nobody tells the Arabs to kill each other. They make that decision to be barbaric; they are the ones who pull the triggers; they are the ones who blindly follow that loathsome cult of a religion, and it's the Saudis to export and fund their extremely oppressive subcult of the larger cult.

Edited December 7, 2015 by Dustdevil

[Seastallion]

And I actually voted for the loser the first time.

Fool me once, shame on you,

Fool me twice, shame on me.

Or, as that shining intellect Bush said, "Fool me once, shame on...er um er, shame on you. Fool me, um, um, errr, well you can't get fooled again."

[oneday]

Obama -- Just about the weakest, most impotent president we have ever had. I can't believe people voted him in for another 4 years. Thank god for presidential term limits.

[Boon Mee]

Omama is all hat and no goats. He doesn't have a clue. This semi-retired president is slowly destroying America...