In today’s world, regional threats, like the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL, if left unaddressed will become global threats, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
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Kerry On The Fight Against ISIL
That’s why the United States and its allies are ramping up the fight against ISIL - an organization that rapes and brutalizes women and sells them as child brides. It viciously and indiscriminately attacks groups of all ethnicities, sects, and religions, including Jews, Christians and Muslims.
ISIL’s goal is to impose their reign of terror over as many people and as much territory as it can by any means necessary. They call it a caliphate, said Secretary Kerry, but in reality it’s a zone of chaos and destruction.
Since September, President Barack Obama has outlined America’s plan to mobilize a broad coalition to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL. And progress has been achieved. Already ISIL’s hold on territory has been reversed from the Mosul Dam to territory north of Tikrit and the Baiji oil refinery where ISIL has been driven out. The people of Amirli were liberated. And in Kobani, Kurds are putting up a fierce and brave fight in order to route ISIL forces.
ISIL’s finances have been severely restricted thanks to efforts by the U.S., Gulf States, and others. Moreover, the message of ISIL is being challenged by Islam’s highest authorities. The grand mufti of Egypt declared that ISIL is the organization of Satan. Major mullahs, imams, and clerics are all speaking out in Friday prayer against the notion that ISIL has any legitimacy.
Ultimately, said Secretary Kerry, ISIL is no match for the United States and its allies.“We will gain the inevitable triumph,” he said, “and build a peaceful and secure future for the Middle East and by extension, for the entire world.”