Kirstyn Flood - Obama ISIL Speech

Kirstyn Flood

In response to the brutal, inhumane acts of the Middle Eastern terrorist organization, ISIL (most commonly known as, ISIS), President Obama stated, “If you threaten America, you will find no safe-haven.” With heavy brows and a commanding voice, he described ISIL as “a cancer”—one that has taken the lives of innocent civilians, including Muslims, Christians, and two American journalists.

With the support of Congress, Obama has decided that America must lead a broad coalition using strategies to counteract terrorism, in order to “degrade and, ultimately, destroy ISIL.” America must, first, work alongside the newly-formed Iraqi government to systematically carry out airstrikes to save Iraqi people and United States personnel. Obama will then send 475 service members to Iraq to support Iraqi communities in reclaiming their freedom. In an attempt to weaken ISIL, Obama will cut off its funding, improve American intelligence, and strengthen the national and foreign forces moving in and out of the Middle East. Finally, he will ensure that humanitarian assistance is given to those who have been targeted by ISIL.

While hunting down the terrorist organization, America must keep three key principles in mind: freedom, justice, and dignity. Obama’s hope in American leadership is clear, as he stressed the United States’ duty to help others realize a better future of opportunity and tolerance.

Obama’s optimism and fierce determination in America’s ability to handle foreign and domestic affairs is the most powerful aspect of his address. With strong posture and firm hand gestures, it is clear that Obama’s belief in American technology, manufacturing, business, and leadership will never falter. This reassured the nation that, even in the face of great danger, America has the ability to rise and lead others who have gone astray, due to political unrest and economic instability.

In his address to the nation, Obama proved that “Media is Essential” will always ring true. Without media, the nation would be ignorant to the threat of genocide in the Middle East; without media, we would be blind to the millions in need of our humanitarian efforts; without media, we would be unable to form an international support group for those who have been victimized, harassed, and killed in cold blood. Obama concluded his address with, “May God bless our troops and may God bless the United States of America,” a timeless statement that emphasizes the grace, resilience, and faith in this great nation.