The White House described a terrorist attack that killed 86 people ahead of a planned peace rally depraved and vowed that such attacks only strengthen their resolve to defeat terrorists.
According to the AP, “Two nearly simultaneous explosions targeted a Turkish peace rally Saturday by Kurdish activists and opposition supporters in Ankara. At least 86 people were killed and nearly 190 wounded in what appeared to be suicide attacks, Turkish officials said.”
The attack took place outside of a train station where hundreds were gathering for a peace rally.
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The Obama administration reacted with a statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price, “The United States condemns in the strongest terms today’s horrific terrorist attack in Ankara, Turkey. The fact that this attack occurred ahead of a planned rally for peace underscores the depravity of those behind it and serves as another reminder of the need to confront shared security challenges in the region. We offer our deepest condolences to the families and other loved ones of the victims, just as our thoughts remain with those injured in this senseless violence. The United States will continue to stand side-by-side with the Turkish Government and people as together we take on the scourge of terrorism. Far from deterring these efforts, such horrific acts of violence will only strengthen our resolve.”
The fact that terrorists would target a peace rally speaks volumes about their agenda. Terrorists only want to spread fear though causing death and destruction. Terrorism exists as a concept, so the idea that terror itself can be defeated is nonsense.
However, it is possible to defeat those individuals and groups who use terrorism as a weapon. As the American people learned during the Bush years, a nation can’t go it alone in the fight against terrorists. The Obama administration is correct that it will take the global community working together to punish those who commit these acts of senseless violence.
Jason is the managing editor. He is also a White House Press Pool and a Congressional correspondent for PoliticusUSA. Jason has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. His graduate work focused on public policy, with a specialization in social reform movements.
Awards and Professional Memberships
Member of the Society of Professional Journalists and The American Political Science Association
