Muslims should not be stigmatized, urges Obama

Following the deadly attacks in Brussels, United States President Barack Obama has urged Americans not to stigmatise the Muslim community while stating that doing so is counterproductive in the fight against radical Islam.

Describing the Muslim-Americans as the 'most important partners' in the fight against ISIS, Obama asserted that attempts to stigmatise the community should be rejected.

"I am a father. And just like any other parent, the awful images from Brussels draw my thoughts to my own children's safety. That's also why you should be confident that defeating ISIS remains our top military, intelligence, and national security priority," the Express Tribune quoted Obama as saying.

"At least 14 Americans were injured, and we pray for their full recovery, along with everyone else affected by these attacks," he added.

Obama's remarks came following the controversial remarks made by two Republicans, who are vying to succeed him in the White House, in the wake of the recent bombings in Brussels.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz Cruz called for increased surveillance of Muslim neighbourhoods while Donald Trump reiterated that Muslims should be temporarily prevented from entering the US.