Obama: ‘Only Way’ Syrian War Will End Is with Bashar Assad Gone

RUSH TRANSCRIPT:

BARACK OBAMA: "And I made it clear to my team we'll do more to train and equip the operation in Syria. All this said our strategy recognizes that no amount of military force will end the terror that is ISIL, unless it is matched by a broader effort, political and economic. It addresses the underlying condition that have allowed ISIL to gain traction. They have filled a void and we have to make sure that as bepush them out that void is filled. So as Iraqi cities and towns are liberated from ISIL, we're working with Iraq and united Nations to help communities rebuild the security, services and governance they need. And we continue to support the efforts of prime minister Abadi to form a conclusive and effective Iraqi government that works with all people in Iraq. 

"In Syria, the only way the civil war will end and in a way so that the Syrian people can unite against ISIL is a new government without Bashar Assad. A government that serves all Syrians. I discussed this with our partners aft camp David and during my recent call with president Putin. I made it clear the united States will continue to work for such transition. And a glimmer of good news is I think an increasing recognition on the part of all the players in the region. That given the extraordinary threat that ISIL poses, it is important for us to work together as opposed to cross-purposes to make sure that an inclusive Syrian government exists."