Address by President Barack Obama
National Defense University, Washington, D.C. | May 23, 2013
Introduction: A Nation at a Crossroads
In a defining moment at the National Defense University, President Barack Obama addressed the evolving landscape of global terrorism and the recalibration of U.S. counterterrorism policy. Speaking from Fort McNair—where American military service dates back to 1791—the President underscored the enduring principles of the Constitution even amid shifting threats and technologies.
From 9/11 to the Present: The Arc of Conflict
The 21st century began with optimism, but the attacks of September 11, 2001 altered the course of history. Unlike traditional wars, 9/11 targeted civilians—not military forces—and introduced a new type of asymmetric warfare. In response, the U.S. initiated military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq, strengthening homeland defenses and expanding surveillance. While many of these steps were prudent, others—such as torture and indefinite detention—undermined America’s foundational values.
Upon taking office, President Obama intensified efforts against al Qaeda while seeking to restore the nation’s moral compass. Torture was banned, civilian courts reaffirmed, and nearly 150,000 troops were brought home from Iraq. Key terrorist leaders, including Osama bin Laden, were eliminated. While large-scale attacks on the U.S. have been prevented since 9/11, the threat has shifted from centralized terror networks to more diffuse actors.
The New Threat Landscape
The New Threat LandscapeContemporary terrorism no longer centers on al Qaeda’s core in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which is now greatly diminished. Instead, regional affiliates—such as AQAP in Yemen—and radicalized individuals pose a growing risk. These decentralized threats manifest in attacks like Benghazi and Boston and mirror the pre-9/11 era’s pattern of intermittent but deadly strikes.
Moreover, homegrown extremism, fueled by ideologies of violent jihad or other radical beliefs, represents a significant domestic concern. President Obama emphasized that addressing this requires not just law enforcement, but community engagement—particularly with American Muslims, who have consistently denounced violence.
Redefining the Fight: From “Global War” to Targeted Strategy
Redefining the Fight: From “Global War” to Targeted StrategyThe President rejected the concept of a perpetual “global war on terror.” Instead, he called for a focused strategy aimed at dismantling specific extremist networks through partnerships, intelligence, and precise action. In Afghanistan, the U.S. would transition security to Afghan forces. Elsewhere, cooperation with allies—from Pakistan to Mali—has proven vital in containing regional threats.
On the Use of Drone Strikes
Acknowledging the controversy surrounding drone warfare, President Obama defended its effectiveness but also stressed the need for transparency, legality, and moral restraint. Key safeguards include:
- Targeting only high-value threats posing imminent danger
- Preferring capture over kill
- Ensuring near-certainty that civilians will not be harmed
- Adhering to international law and host nation sovereignty
Despite criticism, the President argued that drone strikes remain preferable to broader military interventions, which risk higher civilian casualties and geopolitical fallout.
Oversight and Transparency
To guard against abuse, the administration implemented oversight through classified briefings to Congress and the codification of targeting protocols in Presidential Policy Guidance. Obama also announced further reviews to assess independent oversight mechanisms and emphasized that the power to strike must be restrained by law and morality.
The Future of the AUMF
President Obama called for revisiting the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which had become a vehicle for endless war. With the core of al Qaeda weakened and combat in Afghanistan winding down, he urged Congress to refine or repeal the AUMF to avoid unchecked executive power and mission creep.
Guantanamo Bay: A Moral and Fiscal Burden
The continued operation of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay was condemned as both unjust and counterproductive. Costing $150 million annually and damaging America’s international credibility, the prison has become a symbol of legal and ethical failure. Obama called on Congress to lift transfer restrictions and committed to renewed efforts to close the facility—appointing new envoys and lifting the transfer moratorium to Yemen.
A Broader Counterterrorism Strategy
Beyond military solutions, President Obama emphasized addressing the root causes of extremism—poverty, repression, and political instability. U.S. foreign assistance, though less than 1% of the federal budget, was framed as a strategic tool to support democratic transitions, improve education, and promote economic development in regions vulnerable to radicalization.
Strengthening diplomatic capacity, especially in unstable regions, was also highlighted as a necessity—not a luxury—of American leadership. Hardening embassy security while maintaining an active diplomatic presence was framed as the balance required to navigate a changing Arab world.
Upholding Civil Liberties and Press Freedom
Domestically, Obama underscored the imperative of preserving civil liberties. Initiatives included:
- Enhancing privacy safeguards in surveillance programs
- Reviewing DOJ guidelines for investigating journalists
- Supporting a media shield law to protect press freedom
He warned that excessive secrecy or reliance on drones could undermine public trust and democratic oversight.
A Call for Balance and Resolve
President Obama concluded with a reminder: America’s strength lies not only in its military might, but in its adherence to law, its compassion, and its enduring values. Whether confronting external threats or domestic extremists, the U.S. must act with restraint, intelligence, and unity.
Victory, he stated, would not be marked by parades or statues, but by ordinary acts of resilience—parents taking children to school, veterans starting businesses, citizens expressing dissent. In this spirit, the flag will continue to stand for freedom long after the threats of today have passed.