Washington Examinar Quotes Dana Stuster on the Countering Violent Extremism Summit

White House Extremism Summit More Symbolism Than Substance, Experts Say

By Susan Crabtree
February 20, 2015 | Washington Examiner

President Obama’s closing remarks at the Countering Violent Extremism Summit Thursday perfectly captured his awkward balancing act when it comes to talking about Islamic terrorist groups and his policies aimed at stopping their deadly goals.

While Obama studiously avoided words like “Islamic” and “Muslim,” he made no bones about the need to confront the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, mentioning the terrorist group nine times.

In the end, the summit was more symbolism than substance, say foreign policy experts across the political spectrum.

“The Obama administration is demonstrating some much-needed international initiative by hosting this summit,” said John Dana Stuster, a policy analyst for the National Security Network. “It reflects an important recognition that, even as the United States and its allies fight terrorist groups by military means, we also have to prevent terrorism by addressing the societal issues that facilitate and propagate it.”

To continue reading, click here.