U.S. President Obama said he will continue to “take direct action” by ordering drone strikes and capture operations against terror suspects “when necessary to protect ourselves.”
In a speech outlining a new foreign policy framework stressing cooperation with allies, the President said there still would be times when the U.S. must go it alone. He restated a policy he disclosed in May 2013, however, that no drone strike should occur unless there is “a near certainty” that no civilians will be harmed.
US must show restraint
Mr. Obama said the United States must lead on the world stage, but also show restraint before rushing into military operations overseas.
He said the U.S. is emerging from a long period of war and isolationism isn’t an option in the 21st century.
Mr. Obama also said he plans to work with Congress to increase support for the Syrian opposition.
The speech comes a day after Mr. Obama offered a blueprint for ending the U.S. military engagement in Afghanistan.
