President Obama's plan towards ISIL by Liyi Li

On Wednesday night, September 10th, 2014, President Obama held a speech at the White House to inform the nation about his plan towards the Iraqi terrorist group, ISIL. The President described ISIL as “a terrorist organization, pure and simple” and that as the Commander-in-Chief, his first priority is the “security of American people.” The main objective of his speech is clear: “to degrade, and ultimately destroy, ISIL through a comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy.” The four parts of the US strategy are a systematic campaign of airstrikes against ISIL, increased support to forces fighting ISIL on the ground, drawing on our substantial counterterrorism capabilities to prevent ISIL attacks, and providing humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians displaced by ISIL.”

President Obama delivered his message to the nation in a very determined and confidence attitude. His tone remained serious throughout the speech and there was barely any gestures. His eye contact with the camera was consistent and resolute, showing that he plan is well prepared and that he has control over the happenings.

The most effective parts of this speech include the President’s reminiscence on the past terrorist events and his call to the Congress and American people to come together as one to fight against terrorism. He appealed to the Congress in a sincere way by stating that “we are strongest as a nation when the president and Congress work together.”

One main media truth that stands out in President Obama’s speech is that nothing is new and the fact that everything will reoccur. In his speech, President Obama discussed the reoccurring terrorism and threats that the US faced, from 9.11 to the threats from ISIL at this point. The President has also noted that we have “consistently taken the fight to terrorists” that threatened the US, showing that terrorism is a repeated happening and what we should do is continue to fight against terrorism.