"I've got a lot of things on my plate, but my top priority is to defeat I ISIL and to eliminate the scourge of this barbaric terrorism that's been taking place around the world," Obama said Wednesday.
"There's no more important item on my agenda than going after them and defeating them. The issue is, how do we do it in an intelligent way?"
Obama said both the US and Argentina understand the sorrow felt by the Belgians "because out countries have felt the scourge of terrorism."
He called on the world to unite behind fighting what he called "senseless and vicious" acts.
But Obama offered few signs that he planned to retool his strategy in light of the Brussels bombing. The president said his approach to fighting the group has constantly "evolved" to meet the threat and he vowed to remains steady and "resolute.'
Obama criticized Republican presidential candidates who have suggested they would "carpet bomb" the Islamic State. He dismissed that approach as both "inhumane" and counterproductive.
"That would likely be an extraordinary mechanism for ISIL to recruit more," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
