California an 'Act of Terrorism', Says Obama, But Fails to Offer a Cure in Rare Address

Washington: US President Barack Obama tried to calm the citizens of America after the recent shootings in California but was unable to offer a cure. People have grown sceptical of his handling of terrorism and increasingly fearful post the recent terror strikes across the globe.

Acknowledging the shootings in San Bernardino in California to be "act of terrorism, designed to kill innocent people," Mr Obama said that so far there is "no evidence that the killers were directed by a terrorist organization overseas or that they were part of a broader conspiracy here at home."

But Mr Obama recognized that the killers had gone down "the dark path of radicalization, embracing a perverted interpretation of Islam that calls for war against America and the West."

The US President made these remarks at a rare address from the Oval Office, only the third in his presidency, the last time was when he announced the end of combat missions in Iraq. But the US strategy on ISIS remained no different. "We should not be drawn once more into a long and costly ground war in Iraq or Syria. That's what groups like ISIL want," Mr Obama said.

Using the platform to fight for gun controls, so far a losing democrat battle, Mr Obama is trying to prevent an overheated nation from falling into the extreme right's rhetoric that blames religion for the violence.

Since the 9/11 attacks, Jihadist terrorists have killed 45 people in America compared to 48 by white supremacist terrorists, according to a research organization, New America. During the same period, over 200,000 murders have occurred. Mr. Obama reiterated that while Muslims must take responsibility and confront the radicals, this should not be portrayed as a "war between America and Islam."

The Republicans were quick to criticize their president with Donald Trump tweeting:

Well, Obama refused to say (he just can't say it), that we are at WAR with RADICAL ISLAMIC TERRORISTS.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 7, 2015

Shortly after Mr Obama's address, Speaker of the House Paul Ryan said in a statement, "Until we hear from the president what more can be done... We will remain one step behind our enemy. This is not just the next president's problem. It is our problem, and we must confront it today."