Obama Condemns Terrorists, Reaffirms U.S. Resolve
(January 6, 2010) |
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President Barack Obama delivers his first weekly
address of 2010. The president spoke from
Kailua, Hawaii, condemning the attempted Dec. 25
terrorist attack by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.
White House photo by Pete Souza. |
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WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2010 – President Barack
Obama condemned the Dec. 25 terrorist attempt on
the United States in his first 2010 weekly radio
address, vowing to bring those involved to
justice and outlining steps the administration
is taking to protect the American people.
Speaking from Kailua, Hawaii, the president said
the Christmas Day attempt provides an important
reminder of the sacrifices Americans are making
in Afghanistan and the importance of bipartisan
support for all who protect the United States.
Obama blamed an al Qaeda affiliate for
recruiting, training and arming Umar Farouk
Abdulmutallab, the suspect in the incident on a
Northwest Airlines flight bound for Detroit.
“This is not the first time this group has
targeted us,” Obama said, noting that in recent
years it has bombed Yemeni |
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government facilities and Western hotels,
restaurants and embassies, including the U.S.
Embassy, in 2008. |
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“So, as president, I've made it a priority to strengthen our
partnership with the Yemeni government -- training and
equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence and
working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists,” Obama
said.
The fruits of this collaboration had begun to be realized
even before the Christmas Day terror attempt, he said.
Training camps have been struck, leaders eliminated and
plots disrupted.
Obama vowed to ensure all involved in the attempted attack
will be held accountable, but said that's just part of a
broader responsibility he took on as he came to office last
January to protect the American people's safety and
security.
“On that day I also made it very clear: Our nation is at war
against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred, and
that we will do whatever it takes to defeat them and defend
our country, even as we uphold the values that have always
distinguished America among nations,” he said. “And make no
mistake, that's exactly what we've been doing.”
Obama cited a revised strategy that aims to bring a
responsible end to the war in Iraq and increase resources in
Afghanistan and Pakistan, where al Qaeda is based. He said
he's set a “clear and achievable mission: to disrupt,
dismantle and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies and
prevent their return to either country.”
The president paid tribute to seven CIA members killed this
week in Afghanistan, and acknowledged that reviews must
continue to determine what happened, and why.
As questions are asked and debate goes on, he urged that it
be focused on making necessary changes required to protect
the country.
“As we go forward, let us remember this: Our adversaries are
those who would attack our country, not our fellow
Americans, not each other,” he said.
Rather than giving in to fear, cynicism or partisanship,
“let's work together, with a seriousness of purpose, to do
what must be done to keep our country safe,” he urged
Americans. “As we begin this New Year, I cannot imagine a
more fitting resolution to guide us---as a people and as a
nation.” | |
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
Copyright 2010
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