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Subscribe to RSSAt the beginning of a speech to praise Adm. Mike Mullen as he stepped down as chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff -- and to welcome the new chair, Gen. Martin Dempsey -- President Obama addressed the death of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) operative Anwar al-Awlaki.
“The death of Awlaki is a major blow to Al Qaeda's most active operational affiliate,” Obama said.
As was reported earlier today, an American drone launched an airstrike in Yemen against an Al Qaeda convoy that included Awlaki. Multiple U.S. government sources and the government of Yemen confirmed that Awlaki was killed.
In his remarks, the president blamed Awlaki and AQAP not only for multiple attempts to kill Americans inside and outside of the United States, but also the deaths of many in Yemen.
“Awlaki and his organization have been directly responsible for the deaths of many Yemenis citizens. His hateful ideology and targeting of innocent civilians has been rejected by the vast majority of Muslims and people of all faiths,” he said.
Obama reminded his audience, “Al Qaeda in the Arabian peninsula remains a dangerous, though weakened, terrorist organization. And going forward, we will remain vigilant against any threats to the United States or our allies or partners.”
He continued, “Make no mistake: This is further proof that Al Qaeda and its affiliates will find no safe haven anywhere in the world.”
Mullen, in his last speech as chairman of the Joint Chiefs struck a lighter tone when alluding to the operation, “And to those of you who aren't the closest to us, well, maybe you should have stepped it up a notch. It doesn't hurt to have friends with access to drones.”
But Mullen backed up Obama's assessment of a weakened Al Qaeda network. “President Obama made it clear from the beginning that he valued military counsel and that protecting the American people was his top priority, and he's made good on both promises. Bin Laden is dead; Awlaki is dead; Al Qaeda is a much- diminished network.”
Awlaki is credited with being the mastermind behind the failed attempts to blow up an American passenger plane on Christmas day of 2009 and a vehicle in Times Square in 2010.
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I also thought that President Obama giving Adm. Mullen the credit for turning the tide on DADT was very special.
TP:
"President Obama praised Adm. Mike Mullen — the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff — for his leadership in leading the charge to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, during a farewell ceremony this morning. “History will record that the tipping point towards this progress came when the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff went before Congress and told the nation that it was the right thing to do,” Obama said. “Mike, your legacy will endure in a military that is stronger and also in a nation that is more just.”
_________________
Thank you Admiral. Thank you for your service to our Nation.
I don't know if you've seen this yet Pat - Uncle Fester has wandered off the ranch again...
When is MSNBC going to wake up and put this racist bastard out to pasture for good?
Thanks for posting this Pat, credit well deserved. Admiral Mullen and Mrs Mullen are special people and our country is better for their many contributions.
Thank you Mr President and the Intelligence Community for a job well done, continued success in the war against terrorists.
Pat, Gingerbread M, Feisty,
President Obama is doing EXACTLY as promised ending combat operations in Iraq, moving towards a world without nuclear weapons and delivering on a new strategy for Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Remember the videotape circulated in the media not long ago by the bearded Awlaki?
He made a video: reminding Americans how guns are so easily obtained in the US. His message was: there are no identification requirements at Gun Shows, so AQ aspirants should go right ahead and take advantage. With his blessing.
It was a call to join AQ and a giant nod to our disgracefully lax gun laws.
We will not know the circumstances of his death due to larger security reasons. Doubtless 'patriots' will appear and mouth a defence for Awlaki's rights as a born American.
Life is so exquisitely precious. But for reasons best known to himself and maybe he didn't really have a justification for it, Awlaki chose to turn the gun on his country and on all of us. He made that decision.
I mourn for his family. But cause and effect is a powerful thing and will have its way.
Feisty, MSNBC has gotten plenty of complaints about Buchanan. They don't care. They're not going to do anything about it. So it's best to just turn them off when he's on.
That station has gone way down hill. But then most of the media has gone down hill.
Which reminds me - what is UP with the right wing dude from Comcast they have MSNBC on all day long?
You said it Pat! ;o)
Pat, I missed seeing the ceremony this morning. As you said, it is nice to see our President give credit where it is due and he always does that. President Obama isn't what I call a bragger, he doesn't toot his own horn.
As far as Buchanan goes, he's an old crank of a fuddy duddy who must have a pointy hat in his closet. I haven't noticed much difference in day-time MSNBC but then I don't watch it constantly. For the most part, they do a reasonable job of trying to give both sides the microphone and it is mostly intended for politics. Don't care for Andrea Mitchell who has trouble spitting out her questions and thoughts; she stumble bumbles around which I find a distraction. I do like Martin Bashir, he's been a nice addition and he's getting more aggressive in challenging folks like Buchanan. Rev Al does a nice job, and is settling into his show. Enjoy Lawrence O'Donnell and Rachel Maddow a lot.
Backhouse. Good points, all. Anwar al-Awlaki made his decision but as you said, condolences to his family.
I am enjoying Chris Hayes's new weekend show.
Jody,
Bin Laden is gone and a twenty-plus top terrorists are gone, AQ is systematically being dismantled, Qaddafi gone etc. etc. Yet Republicans have the gall to try and convince us the President is "weak on terror" or "leading from behind" on foreign policy.
Think of the chronic reputation the Bush Administration created for the US around the world. And how much has been done to change that since then.
However, NBC First Read said today that: No President in more than 20 years,
"has had more foreign-policy successes happen under his watch than President obama".
Jody, I have only been able to catch Martin Bashir a few times, and I liked him a great deal. I always watch Rev. Al and Lawrence O. They are not easily manipulated. They think independently, which is rare these days.
But I appreciate it.
Nobody would be saddened by execution of Awlaki in at least 7 States had he been arrested, tried, and convicted by a jury of his peers.
The Constitution guarantees 'every American shall not be deprived of life .... without due process'. I am saddened when the Constitution is usurped and millions dance in the streets, starting with the President.
A sincere bow to you, Mr. President.
Significantly less deep than my bow to you for killing Osama Bin Laden, but the gratitude is there, nevertheless.
Mr. al-Awlaki won't be killing any more Americans, will he?
Good show!
It is against the law to assassinate a foreign dictator; however, it's apparently okay to assassinate a US citizen who has never been charged with a crime. Are you guys really okay with this?
I know you're not asking me, Indy.
That said...I'd love to hear from the others.
You know...the "good ones"?
Unfortunately I am - this guy was an enemy combatant who as far as I'm concerned cannot hide behind his birth certificate!
Every time I'm stripped searched at a airport - I'll thank him!
As far as I'm concerned - he gave up his rights as a U.S. citizen when he got in bed with the terrorists who want to kill as many Americans as possible....
The pendulum does NOT swing both ways in my book...
Thanks for responding Feisty and MB; its rare to see you both in agreement and I respect your views. My problem is that the evidence against Awlaki is unknown. As reported on CBS News:
The ACLU said the killing was a violation of both U.S. and international
law. "As we've seen today, this is a program under which American citizens far
from any battlefield can be executed by their own government without judicial
process, and on the basis of standards and evidence that are kept secret not
just from the public but from the courts," said Jameel Jaffer,
Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but where does the line end? What criteria will determine future evaluations of US citizens? This precedent can (not saying it will) lead to a scary future.
Thanks Indy - weird isn't it? lol
The way I look at it is, maybe more U.S. citizens will think twice before plotting to kill fellow Americans knowing what the risks are...
Although I highly doubt it - these types like to align themselves with martyrdom...
I'm more concerned about what's going on in this country with real Americans like Troy Davis...
Have a great weekend!
Indy lib,
I rarely agree with any Liberals on this vine, but I am in 100% agreement with you on this.
No sympathy from me for this man who was killed, but it is a major question about the disregard for his rights as one of our citizens.
The proper course of action would have been to properly arrest him. (Mirandize him too). Ship him back to his homeland, the good old U.S.A., and arrange a trial by a jury of his peers.
You would think that our President would have questioned the lack of due process in this case.
Thanks Edward. I have no sympathy for al-Awlaki either, but I am concerned with how this precedent could affect the rest of us. Guess that's my Libertarian streak coming out.
NEOCONS heads exploding in 3-2-1.......................
Unlike the neocons, President Obama's quietly and systematically (brain in use) conquering the JUST war. I applaud our service men and women.
President Obama has proven that when it comes to foreign policy he has been very effective. If Republicans could have blocked any of his accomplishments like they have domestically they would have.
He is a proven world leader and my vote for 2012 is Obama/Biden.
Mr. President,
Thank you so much for taking your responsibilities as Commander In Chief so seriously. It is very much appreciated. I feel safer knowing that you are doing everything humanly possible to keep me and my family safe.
War is a grizzly business, and many mistakes have been made. It is good to know that the United States of America is still capable of defending itself . . . even against rogue agents attempting to hide in many countries to shield themselves from justice. . . there is no longer the sense that these folks can attack at will and hide forever . . . and for that, I am grateful.
President Obama didn't let us down when he said he would fight the 'right' war!
Kudos Mr. President!
See you over at the Dew Drop Inn Nash!
Did someone say 'Major Blow'??
Hey, Smiff- we need ya over here....
Nashville Fan, well said. He has done an excellent job in foreign affairs. He chose the best people he could find, he listens to them and most importantly, he challenges them and asks questions.
While the whiners in Congress go about their pouting and obstructionism, President Obama continues to work hard every day to try to make things better.
isn't it great that the Pres doesn't have to run every foreign policy/national security move by Congress, imagine if he had less of their obstruction in domestic issues, we can only imagine how much could be accomplished.
awlakis death a major blow to al queda? Perhaps, but let us not forget that terrorism by any name is still terrorism and is still active
can we enjoy the moment please....
We know that american, does it hurt that much to give credit to President Obama, his military team and our troops.
Lenin's death was a major blow to Communism.
At the time nobody had heard of a lad named Stalin.
They are like rats. You kill one, another pops up.
It just sucks. No matter what we do or who we kill there will always be those who want to kill us - for our success.
It has nothing to do with our politics. They could care less if it's Bush, Obama, or whoever.
They hate us, for no reason other than they suck.
Yeah Spanky sorta like when we whack you on FR...You keep popping up somewhere else on this site. Sorta like "whack a troll" in your case!
Excellent job Mr President and fond goodbye to Adm Mullen
Mr. President, Fine job!!! Republicans take note, the military is working with the President and the job is getting done. WHY can't the republicans work with the President to get the job done for US the AMERICAN PEOPLE? This is a great example of what working together can do!!!!!!! Answer please!!!
Smitty,
They have no answer other than NO!
Smitty, you said it! If the GOP had even met President Obama half way, things would be much better for everyone. It's sad to see Party First, Country Last as their bumper sticker.
smart is the new tuff....good for the u.s. to bad the g.o.p. can't celebrate because they're probably worried about the cost of the bullet that killed him....
Yep, they'll probably demand that cuts be made to medicare to pay for it.
Amen (and no, I don't mean that as a praise to my "God" Obama) to those who can comment productively and positively. IF there is any doubt that the republicans know that the 2012 won't be handed to them, it is in accomplishments like this, DADT, health care and the many other jobs done by this president and administration. The republicans are unorganized and can't stand those candidates that want the presidency, so they just beg for one who has repeatedly exclaimed a lack of desire for it. Just what I want, a president who does not want to be the leader of our country. I remember a month ago when the far right was begging for Rick Perry to join the race, he was a shoe in for the nomination, that lasted for 2 weeks until he opened his mouth.
I have to say, Gov. Christie is at least a thoughtful and realistic man. I won't likely vote for him, but as long as he doesn't allow the crazies to steer him in the wrong directions, he might have a fighting chance.
you know this is george bushes victory...lol
it's the message not the canidate...with the repb history of not being able to govern on top of their new contempt...i'm thinking selling trust us we'll get rid of social security and medicare....and it'll be fine...isnt something american's are buying....only the hardcore left in the g.o.p. self id'ding one self is down to like 20%,the nut bags and loose cannons . no one can sell it that's why the using money to force it down our throats it's there only hope...the new reppublican party sponsored by fox news and brought to you by donations from the koch bros...etc etc. etc.
i believe the right wing is madder today than years ago because you can get the facts immediately on the internet the truth is never far....facts aren't there friends....
To the Terrorist (you know who you are)! I would say be afraid be very afraid! My President will take you out without blinking an eye!!
I can honestly say I have never laugh so hard.
Reading the post of liberals defending the execution of an american citizen with no due process.
If Bush was president they would be lined up in front of the white house with impeachment signs.
Don't misunderstand me I'm all for this piece of trash getting killed. I hail the decision but I would have hailed the decision if Bush ordered it as well!
Because I'm not a complete hypocrite like those on the left!
Are you retracking your comment this morning, Rob? You were praising this earlier. You seem to have done an about face or a Romney flip/flop. FYI, I would have the same opinion about the traitor Anwar al-Awlaki if President Bush had done the same thing. He denounced this country, he instructed terrorists in how to kill Americans. While I have sympathy for his family, I have none for him.
BTW, if you haven't seen it, I answered you regarding my remarks about Limbaugh and Herman Cain over on FT.
No retraction in fact in this post I again "hailed" the decision of obama. It's just that I've read alot of post today from many that labeled the last president a war criminal and know that what they praised obama for they would have railed bush for.
And kudos to you for clarifying that you would have supported bush had he made the call.
This bears repeating.......while liberals are comparing Bush the "war criminal" to Obama the "savior of mankind", haha.........READ....."As Bush arrives in Africa today at the start of a five-country tour he will be welcomed chiefly for an initiative which has gone largely unnoticed outside the continent but which has saved the lives of more than a million people with HIV."
Bush poured funds into Africa to combat HIV aids ( saved millions of lives) and got no awards ..... but the Socialists in Europe gave a Nobel Peace Prize to Obama for doing NOTHING.
And I thought that Republicans and baggers were sheep.
Since when do Liberals cheer the assassination of a U.S. citizen without a trial? Actually, does anyone know if this guy has even been formally charged with any crimes?
No, he was never charged. Guess that doesn't matter any more. DRONES AWAY!
So all you folks with your panties in a knot about killing a AMERICAN without a trial One question. Are you going to pay for the trial, security, feed the guy, and what other cost involved? See you republicans like to spend money on something we all know, this guy wanted to kill other AMERICANS from another country. Funny you spend money on a trial for this, than help anyone with no insurance.
smitty, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, the point some people are trying to make is that when it suits Obama, he has a man killed without a trial, without a violent crime having been committed by the actual man (Awlaki). On the other hand, Obama does NOT want the GITMO detainees , like KSM, tried in a military court because it would "vilolate their rights." Can anyone say "flip-flop" for purposes of getting re-elected ?!
what you want to endanger american soliders to do the dangerous business of picking this guy up...they aint picking him up at the starbucks....leaders can die where they stand....you a bleeding heart conservative.....drone attacks smarter tuffer better....use of our military....lets invade their country at a trillion a pop...this is the way....sorry you don't like it i'm sure if bush did it you would be fine....you quit being an american when you want to destroy the country....join a terrorist organization oh well....
leona, WITH ALL DUE RESPECT! To bad KSM is a detainee otherwise, we could have done the same to him. The key word here is detainee. We have him as a detainee and we give him some "rights" because this is America. Now the other guy he was in another country plotting against us. So we smoked his ass job done. Not much money spent on him like on KSM. I thought you neo-cons didn't like to spend money like that, you know trials for TERRORISTS.
Newt being a great Conservative thinker and debater is the most intelligent of all debtocRATS, hands down not to mention the RINO's. I would be willing to say that if you put NObama on stage and he had a one on one debate, Newt would embarrass the sitting faux president to no end. Since NObama cannot put two sentences together on his own, I think Newt would be willing to let NObama use both his teleprompters. And you guys know that as fact, but don't want to admit it. I think 53% of the American People got duped into believing this second coming of jimmy carter would bring "hope and change". And it is laughable how this "community organizer" turned out to be the laughing stock of the world. "Semper Vigilantis!!"
you probably voted for george bush and obama an a 140 iq havard law review editor....black man smart enough to become president in the u.s. all that learnin and he can't speak...listen to mr. bush omg....obama wrote his books and bush hasn't read one...but nice personal attack from someone that voted for the biggest mistake ever made...wow dude i hope you're not driving...