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?

What does President Obama suggest that we should do about these problems? Do you agree with him? Why or why not?

Read President Obama's entire speech.

Based on the speech, what are some reasons to feel optimistic about the war against ISIS?

Answer 1

1. President Obama suggests that economic circumstances such as poverty, hopelessness, and feelings of injustice and corruption, especially among young people, can make terrorist groups attractive to many people in the world. He also highlights political circumstances, such as the denial of human rights, lack of opportunities for peaceful redress of grievances, and the mistreatment of political opponents, as factors that terrorist groups like ISIL exploit.

2. President Obama suggests that we should confront economic grievances by focusing on sustainable development and creating opportunities and dignity, particularly for youth. He also advocates for addressing political grievances by promoting democracy, free speech, freedom of religion, the rule of law, and strong civil societies. Whether one agrees with President Obama's approach would depend on individual perspectives and beliefs. Some may agree with his emphasis on addressing economic and political grievances as a way to counter terrorism, while others may have different opinions on the causes and solutions to violent extremism. It is important to engage in a thoughtful and informed discussion on this topic, considering various viewpoints and evidence.

3. Based on the provided excerpt, some potential reasons to feel optimistic about the war against ISIS include:

1. Recognition of the underlying issues: President Obama acknowledges the importance of confronting economic and political grievances that ISIS exploits. By recognizing these factors, there is a foundation for addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism.

2. Focus on sustainable development: By emphasizing sustainable development and creating opportunities and dignity, particularly for youth, there is a recognition that long-term solutions are necessary. This approach aims to provide alternatives to the appeal of extremist ideologies.

3. Emphasis on democracy and human rights: President Obama highlights the significance of democracy, free speech, freedom of religion, and strong civil societies in countering violent extremism. These values and principles can promote dialogue, inclusivity, and peaceful resolution of grievances.