President Obama: 'We Are Not At War With Islam'

ABC News: President Obama Says ISIS 'Not Religious Leaders, They are Terrorists'

President Obama rejected the notion today that groups like ISIS are operating from a religious foundation -- but labeled them simply as terrorists, adding that the United States is at war with those who have “perverted Islam.”

“Al Qaeda and ISIL and groups like it are desperate for legitimacy. They try to portray themselves as religious leaders, holy warriors in defense of Islam,” Obama said at the White House. “We must never accept the premise that they put forth because it is a lie. Nor should we grant these terrorists the religious legitimacy that they seek. They are not religious leaders. They are terrorists.”

More News On President Obama's Remarks At The Summit On Violent Extremism

Obama: Military power 'cannot end extremism alone' -- BBC
Obama: countering violent extremism depends on Muslim support -- Reuters
Obama: Don't grant terrorists legitimacy by labeling them Islamic -- CBS News
Barack Obama says US 'at war with those perverting Islam' -- BBC
Obama: No religion responsible for terrorism -- USA Today
Obama: We are not at war with Islam -- CNN
Obama: 'We Are Not at War With Islam' -- VOA
Obama Says Terrorists Seek Legitimacy by Using Religious Tie -- Bloomberg
Obama says world should address ‘grievances’ that terrorists exploit -- FOX News
Obama Urges Americans to Keep Calm in Fight Against Violent Extremism -- Time