Obama in remarks at the White House's summit on countering violent extremism said in a statement that ISIS are not religious leaders, they are terrorists instead.
He said, "We are not at war with Islam. We are at war with people who have perverted Islam. No religion is responsible for terrorism. People are responsible for violence and terrorism".
Obama during the summit insisted that the US and its allies must take every possible step to discredit the idea, as groups like ISIS and al Qaeda are 'desperate for legitimacy'.
They must never agree upon the premise these groups put forward, because all those things are an absolute lie, said Obama. He said they should also not grant these terrorists the religious legitimacy which they ask for.
US President's comments were a direct response to the criticism from Republicans who have argued that president should clearly say that US is at a war with radical Islam.
These criticisms seems to have become louder as Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, expressing her view said that how can one talk about defeating an enemy if one cannot name it.
Obama on Wednesday said that there is no profile of violent extremist or terrorist in the same manner as there is no way to predict who will become radicalized.
President also stressed o the pint that Muslim leaders need to do away with the notion that the West wants to undercut Islam.
Obama also defended the idea that the US should work with the Muslim countries to improve their economies.
In addition, prior to the speech the white House released some new steps which the administrations would take to fight against radicalism.
Rhonda Coleman
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