Question

Please help!!

Read the following excerpt from a speech made by President Obama on September 29, 2015, at the Leaders' Summit on Countering ISIL and Violent Extremism:

We recognize that we have to confront the economic grievances that exist in some of the areas that ISIL seeks to exploit. Poverty does not cause terrorism. But as we’ve seen across the Middle East and North Africa, when people, especially young people, are impoverished and hopeless and feel humiliated by injustice and corruption, that can fuel resentments that terrorists exploit. Which is why sustainable development—creating opportunity and dignity, particularly for youth—is part of countering violent extremism.

We recognize we also have to address the political grievances that ISIL exploits. I’ve said this before—when human rights are denied and citizens have no opportunity to redress their grievances peacefully, it feeds terrorist propaganda that justifies violence. Likewise, when political opponents are treated like terrorists and thrown in jail, it can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. So the real path to lasting stability and progress is not less democracy; I believe it is more democracy in terms of free speech, and freedom of religion, rule of law, strong civil societies. All that has to play a part in countering violent extremism.

Based on the excerpt, answer the following question:

What are the economic and political circumstances that President Obama thinks might make terrorist groups attractive to many people in the world?

Answer 1

President Obama believes that economic grievances, such as poverty and a lack of opportunity, as well as political grievances, such as human rights abuses, lack of freedom of speech and religion, and lack of rule of law, can make terrorist groups attractive to many people in the world.