On Wednesday, Sept. 10, President Obama addressed the nation. His speech was mainly on the plans to handle the Islamic militant group calling themselves the Islamic State. The terrorist organization is currently located in Iraq and Syria, a country involved in a brutal civil war. It is responsible for the beheadings of two American journalists earlier this month.
A different direction
CNN noted that Obama's plans represent a shift from his usual strategies. He wants to help Syrian rebel soldiers fighting the militant group, something he was originally opposed to. The president also plans to authorize massive airstrikes over areas inhabited by the religious extremists, a more aggressive strategy than his previous plans. According to CNN, both his Democratic peers as well as members of the GOP applauded this forceful step.
Not a war
While Obama is taking military action, he made it very clear that the U.S. is not entering a war and that American troops would not be sent to fight. According to The Washington Post, the president wanted to make sure civilians understood that this situation would not be like the war in Iraq, but rather a mission to stomp out terrorists. CNN noted that America will be sending 475 military advisors to Iraq. These servicemembers will be helping arm and instruct local fighters.
The takeaway
Ultimately, the president wanted his goal to be heard.
"Our objective is clear: We will degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counterterrorism strategy," he stated.
Currently, Obama believes he has enough power, based on policies enacted when the U.S. was fighting Al Qaeda, to authorize putting his plan into action, noted CNN. According to The Washington Post, the president hopes to gain extra support and resources from Congress to implement his plans as successfully as possible.