Obama calling on Muslim communities to deal with ISIS

For the third times since he became president, Barack Obama addressed the nation on a Sunday evening. For Americans is a big deal. In his speech he talked about terrorism and the latest attack on San Bernardino. Many commentators believe that it was a way to reassure the public,which in less than a year will have to elect their new Commander in Chief.

“The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it,” Obama said.

The President didn’t really outlined any changes in the strategy towards ISIS. Obama talked about airstrikes combined with US Special Forces on the ground. The announcement of more boots on the ground, especially in Syria, was released less than a month ago. But he also called on the Congress to their share in the war against the Islamic State.

“For over a year, I have ordered our military to take thousands of air strikes against ISIL targets. I think it’s time for Congress to vote to demonstrate that the American people are united and committed to this fight,” Obama said.

I think one of the key point of Obama’s speech is the part about the Muslim communities.

“ISIL does not speak for Islam,” Obama said. “They are thugs and killers, part of a cult of death, and they account for a tiny fraction of more than a billion Muslims around the world.” He also said Muslim communities must be enlisted as some of the strongest allies in the ISIL fight and not pushed away with suspicion and hate.

“That does not mean denying the fact that an extremist ideology has spread within some Muslim communities. This is a real problem that Muslims must confront, without excuse,” Obama said.

ISIS is not just a “Western” problem and the Muslim community has to address it. The terrorist organization, through terror attacks in Europe and the US, is trying to scare countries and leader in order to force them to outline new security policies aimed mainly against migrants and refugees coming form the MIddle East. This is a very dangerous approach, since it will lead to more desperation and frustration, key elements in the radicalization.

The main question is how the Muslim community can actually tackle the issue, I am afraid this will remain unanswered.