Weekly Address: We Will Degrade and Destroy ISIL

Here's what's going on at the White House today.         DAILY SNAPSHOT Saturday, September 13, 2014             Featured Weekly Address: We Will Degrade and Destroy ISIL In this week's address, the President reiterated his comprehensive and sustained counter-terrorism strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group ISIL. His plan brings together a campaign of targeted airstrikes, increased support for Iraqi and Kurdish forces already taking on terrorists, assistance from allies and partners, expanded efforts to train and equip the Syrian opposition, and ongoing humanitarian aid for those displaced by ISIL. The President expressed his immense appreciation for the military men and women who make these efforts possible, and reminded the world that America continues to lead and stand strong against terror. Click here to watch this week's Weekly Address.       Top Stories "If you threaten America, you will find no safe haven." On Wednesday evening, from the State Floor of the White House, President Obama spoke to the American people about our comprehensive strategy to degrade and ultimately destroy the terrorist group known as ISIL (Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant). ISIL was formerly al Qaeda's affiliate in Iraq and has since infiltrated territories on both sides of the Iraq-Syrian border. Although ISIL calls itself the "Islamic State," the President highlighted that: ISIL is not 'Islamic.' No religion condones the killing of innocents, and the vast majority of ISIL's victims have been Muslim. And ISIL is certainly not a state. ... It is recognized by no government, nor the people it subjugates. READ MORE President Obama Commemorates the 13th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks On Thursday, the President, First Lady, and Vice President joined Americans across the country to mark the anniversary of 9/11 through acts of service and remembrance. At 8:46 a.m. ET -- the time that the first plane hit the World Trade Center -- the President, First Lady, and Vice President observed a moment of silence to honor the memories of those lost in the horrific acts of terror that took place 13 years ago. President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, and Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, listen to the national anthem during the September 11th Observance Ceremony at the Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Va., Sept. 11, 2014. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) READ MORE Marking the 20th Anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act -- a groundbreaking piece of legislation that helped change an era in American history. On Tuesday, speaking in front of the U.S. Constitution at the National Archives, the Vice President explained just how far we've come since the passage of the bill: "Even just 20 years ago," he said, "few people wanted to talk about violence against women as a national epidemic, let alone something to do something about." Vice President Joe Biden speaks on the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, at the National Archives, in Washington, D.C. September 9, 2014. (Official White House Photo by David Lienemann) While we've made great strides in addressing heinous crimes against women, the Vice President made it clear that we're not done with this fight: When violence against women is no longer societally accepted, no longer kept secret; when everyone understands that even one case is too many. That's when it will change. READ MORE The First Lady Holds a "Prep" Rally in Atlanta On Tuesday, as part of her Reach Higher Initiative, the First Lady joined Secretary Arne Duncan at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta to help kick off the Department of Education's annual back-to-school bus tour. First Lady Michelle Obama hugs a student during a college fair at Booker T. Washington High School in Atlanta. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Education by Joshua Hoover. At the "prep" rally, the First Lady encouraged students to follow their dreams: So if there is anybody telling you that you're not college material -- anyone -- I want you to brush them off. Prove them wrong. I want you all to ask for help. Ask your teachers, your counselors, your coaches, your friends –- I don't care who it is. READ MORE   Facebook     Twitter    |   More Ways to Engage Did Someone Forward This to You? Sign Up for Email Updates This email was sent to e0nstar1.blog@gmail.com Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy Please do not reply to this email. Contact the White House The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111