Obama Defends Fight Against ISIS Within 'American Standards'

Barack Obama, in a detailed interview with National Public Radio at the end of the calendar year, defended his administration's strategy in the fight against ISIS, stating: "The fight against this terrorist group must proceed in a way that aligns with American values, and I have no doubt about this principle." The President of the United States acknowledged the concerns of the people but emphasized that this issue should be viewed from various angles. He added: "ISIS is not a terrorist group that can destroy America, nor is it a major economic power that poses a serious threat to us. However, it is true that it can harm us, our people, and our families." Barack Obama stressed that in order to defeat this group, one must remember who we are. He pointed out that according to available statistics, since the September 2001 terrorist attacks, 45 people have been killed in America by individuals linked to terrorist groups, while during the same period, the number of victims of domestic terrorism has been 48. Despite Obama's firm and clear defense of his administration's strategy against the Islamic State group, recent polls show that only 30% of Americans approve of the government's approach to this group. Barack Obama stated that he understands the public's concerns but also added: "The reason for the public's excessive worry is that in recent months, the media has covered this issue in a way that suggests this terrorist group will kill everyone tomorrow." He noted that the American people have not seen the defeats and retreats of this group from areas like Sinjar or Tikrit, or perhaps they are unaware of the 9,000 airstrikes against this group's positions over the past year and a half, and as a result, they may feel that the U.S. government's response has not been sufficient. In his interview with National Public Radio, Barack Obama also responded to criticisms from Republican presidential candidates. In recent weeks, all Republican candidates have strongly attacked Barack Obama's policy in confronting the Islamic State group (ISIS). Some have suggested that Bashar al-Assad should remain in power to fight this group, while others have recommended extensive bombing of all areas under the control of this group. However, Mr. Obama emphasized in the year-end radio conversation that he believes Bashar al-Assad should be removed from power for regional stability. Mr. Obama criticized extensive bombing, stating that in such methods, it is impossible to determine who is killed as a result of the bombings. He added: "If the intention is to kill hundreds and thousands of innocent Iraqis and Syrians, this is not something that aligns with American values. It is a policy that results in increased hostility towards America and creates greater risks for our national security." The main argument of the Republicans is that Barack Obama does not show enough strength in the fight against the Islamic State group. They claim that one of the reasons for the rise of this group is the perception that it is winning. However, Barack Obama in this interview, as throughout his presidency, emphasized that to advance U.S. security and defense policies, a long-term strategy is necessary. Regarding the fight against the Islamic State group, he also stressed that "the main point is not shooting, but accurately targeting." Mr. Obama said: "As President of the United States, the essential point is to make a correct judgment based on all the security information and data that commanders and operational officials send us, and one should not allow trends or political disputes to influence your judgment."