Secretary of State John Kerry testifies at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the US strategy to defeat Isis. Photograph: JOSHUA ROBERTS/REUTERS
Secretary of State John Kerry testifies at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the US strategy to defeat Isis. Photograph: JOSHUA ROBERTS/REUTERS
The major takeaway of Obama’s speech is the statement that there will not be a US ground war in Iraq and Syria.
The president’s assertion clashes with the Pentagon’s suggestion yesterday that US troops could “accompany” Iraqi forces as “close combat advisers”.
Moreover, concerns of unproven allies, mission creep – both the White House and Pentagon have said the campaign will take years – and slippery rhetoric about US personnel mean details about US military operations likely remain mutable, and could easily escalate further over time.
"Our war in Afghanistan will come to a responsible end," says Obama, who is punting the end of the Afghanistan war to his successor.
“Even when it seems that our politics are divided … I want you to remember that we stand united in support of you. We are in awe of your skill and your service.”
Only 1% of Americans will wear the uniform and shoulder the weight of the special responsibilities … that you do. But 100% of Americans support you. This is a moment of American leadership, and this is a moment that we’re going to meet.”
In stark contrast to those who only know how to kill and maim and tear down … we’re willing to help others on this planet that we share. We’re protected by patriots like you. And for all those reasons the United States of America will remain the greatest force the world has ever known.”
And with a perfunctory “God bless America” and the start of a Sousa march from the band, Obama leaves the stage.
“I do it only when I know the mission is vital to the security of this country that we love … and because you’re the best at what you do … There are some things only we can do.”
He tells the soldiers that it’s because of them that the US is capable of leading the world and bearing the burden of world crises.
Military personnel listen as President Barack Obama speaks. Photograph: Larry Downing/Reuters
“Between war and recession this has been a challenging start to this new century, we’ve been busy. This has been a challenging 14 years. I want you to know as I stand with you today that I am as confident as I have ever been that this century just like the last century, will be led by America. … It is and will be an American century.”
Obama is now describing US military efforts to combat Ebola in Africa, including the establishment of a base in Liberia equipped with the “unrivalled” US capabilities.
He quotes a Liberian who said that US support will be welcome.
Obama says that come hurricanes and typhoons, America will lead: “when the world is threatened, if the world needs help, it calls on America … even the countries that complain about America [the crowd laughs] – when they need help, who do they call? They call us. And then America calls on you.”
“Yesterday I met with an outstanding American leader, General John Allen … he’s going to work to coordinate this incredible coalition.”
T”he point is we cannot do for the Iraqis what they must do for themselves. We can’t take the place of their partners in securing their region … We can’t do it for them but this is an effort that calls for America’s unique abilities and responsibilities to lead … in a world that’s more crowded and connected.”
“It is America that has the unique ability to organize against a group like Isil.”
“One thing we’ve learned is that … we’ve got to do things differently. … Overall more than 40 countries have offered assistance for the broad campaign against Isil.”
“Already France and the UK are flying with us … and already Saudi Arabia has agreed to train and equip moderate Syrian opposition fighters. … Australia will send advisers … There are nations who’ve agreed to strengthen Iraq’s new government. Our partners will help … cut Isil funding and support … and more than 30 nations have helped us with humanitarian relief.”
“This is not and will not be America’s fight alone.”
“The American forces deployed to Iraq do not and will not have a combat mission. They will support Iraqi forces on the ground as they fight … As commander in chief I will not commit you as our armed forces to fighting another war in Iraq.”
“After a decade of conflict … it’s more effective to use our unique capabilities to support our partners so they can secure their own countries’ futures, that’s the only solution that will succeed over the long term.”
“We will lead a broad coalition of countries who have a stake in this fight … It is the world rejecting Isil, for our children, and our children’s children. We’re not going to do this alone.”
“Since [I authorized military action] we’ve made over 160 strikes. … Because of your efforts we’ve protected [American personnel and Iraqi forces] … helped save the lives of thousands of innocent men, women and children. That’s what you’ve done.”
US President Barack Obama speaks at US Central Command. Photograph: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
“We’re going to degrade and destroy Isil through a comprehensive and sustained strategy. … We mean what we say. Our reach is long and if you threaten America you will find no safe haven we will find you eventually.”
“Just because our mission in Afghanistan is over doesn’t mean that threats to America have ended.”
“The sixth military wing is continuously deployed … around the world, ready to defend, and your work is as vital as ever.”
“In an uncertain world, full of breathtaking change, the one constant is American leadership. In a world where technology allows a small group of killers to do terrible harm … it is America that has the will to rally the world.”
“Our intelligence community has not detected specific plots [against the US] … and right now they pose a direct threat to the people of Iraq … and if left unchecked they pose a growing threat to the United States.”
“For more than a decade, ever since that awful September morning 13 years ago … you and all our men and women in uniform have borne the burden of war. Some of you … our special forces were among the first to go. When the decision was made to go to Iraq you were there … When we refocused the fight back to Afghanistan you were there …
“Some of you have borne the wounds of this war. Some of you have lost friends … have given more than most Americans could ever imagine.”
“This 9/11 generation of heroes has met every mission tasked to you.”
“Because of you Osama bin Laden is no more. Because of you the core al-Qaida leadership is decimated. In three months because of you our combat mission will be over in Afghanistan … and that is because of you.”
“You’ve saved American lives, you’ve made our homeland more secure.”
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