Obama Calls Bombing Militants in Syria a ‘Core Principle’ of His Presidency

Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, President Obama outlined a four-part strategy for defeating the Islamic State. Here are the highlights, plus video of the speech.

The big news is that Obama will bomb IS targets in Syria, clearly without permission from the Syrian government, which both the Islamic State and the president would like to see deposed.

“I will not hesitate to take action against ISIL in Syria or Iraq. This is a core principle of my presidency,” Obama said, explaining that he will pursue terrorists regardless of matters of sovereignty. “I have the authority to address the threat from ISIL,” he added, but invited Congress to back his plan nonetheless. Only Congress has the authority to declare war, but it’s doubtful Obama will get much resistance on this issue from the House and Senate.

The president said he would be sending another 475 troops to join the 300 or so already in Iraq, but promised they would not engage in combat missions. “We will not get dragged into another ground war in Iraq,” he said. Instead, the U.S. will rely on air power, working with Iraqi and Kurdish forces and other allies, perhaps Syrian militants, on the ground.

Obama also said he would pursue humanitarian assistance in addition to his military strategy. The White House has released a fact sheet on the plan, for greater detail.

In an odd turn toward the end, Obama evoked 9/11 and then the economic meltdown of 2008. He spoke of America’s capacity to do great things in the world and at home. Maybe that was a nod to the Democratic campaign committees, currently fighting a Republican takeover of Congress.

You can watch the full video below for yourself.