“Al-Qa'ida is the antithesis of the peace, tolerance and humanity that is at the heart of Islam.” HeartHumanityIslamToleranceAlsAntithesis Author:John O. Brennan
“Al-Qa'ida does not follow a traditional command structure, wear uniforms, carry its arms openly, or mass its troops at the borders of the nations it attacks. Nonetheless, it possesses the demonstrated capability to strike with little notice and cause significant civilian or military casualties.” LittlesDoeNationsCausesMilitaryArmsMassStructureStrikesSignificantCommandTraditionalBordersAlsCapabilityTroopsUniformsCiviliansCasualtiesCivilian Casualties Author:John O. Brennan
“As a matter of international law, the United States is in an armed conflict with al-Qaida, the Taliban, and associated forces, in response to the 9/11 attacks, and we may also use force consistent with our inherent right of national self-defense.” MaySelfMatterStatesUseLawForceUnitedUnited StatesConflictResponseInternationalDefenseConsistentAlsInherentSelf DefenseTalibanInternational LawArmed Conflict Author:John O. Brennan
“In full accordance with the law - and in order to prevent terrorist attacks on the United States and to save American lives - the United States government conducts targeted strikes against specific al-Qa'ida terrorists, sometimes using remotely piloted aircraft, often referred to publicly as drones.” SometimesStatesGovernmentLawOrderUnitedUnited StatesStrikesTerroristAlsAmerican LifeState GovernmentAircraftDronesTerrorist AttacksUnited States Government Author:John O. Brennan
“President Obama is determined that our foreign and national security policies not play into al-Qa'ida's strategy or its warped ideology. Al-Qa'ida seeks to terrorize us into retreating from the world stage. But President Obama has made it a priority to renew American leadership in the world, strengthening our alliances and deepening partnerships.” WorldMadePlayPresidentStageSecurityPolicyStrategyDeterminedPrioritiesIdeologyMade ItAlsPresident ObamaPartnershipNational SecurityAlliancesStrengtheningAmerican Leadership Author:John O. Brennan