US has put Al Qaeda on path to defeat: Obama

On the eve of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, President Barack Obama on Saturday said the United States has stayed strong in the face of threat in the "difficult" decade since the horrific strikes and has stepped up homeland security and put Al Qaeda on the path to defeat.

"In the difficult decade since 9/11, our nation has stayed strong in the face of threat, and we have strengthened our homeland security, enhanced our partnerships, and put Al Qaeda on the path to defeat," Obama said in his weekly radio address to the nation.

The US, in future, will continue to prove that the terrorists who attacked it are no match for the courage, resilience and endurance of the American people, he said.

"Even as we reflect on a difficult decade, we must look forward, to the future we will build together. That includes staying strong and confident in the face of any threat. And thanks to the tireless efforts of our military personnel and our intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security professionals -- there should be no doubt. Today, America is stronger and Al Qaeda is on the path to defeat."

Obama said the US has "taken the fight to Al Qaeda like never before." Over the past two-and-a-half years, more senior Al Qaeda leaders have been eliminated than at any time since 9/11.

Thanks to the remarkable courage and precision of American forces, the US finally delivered justice to Osama bin Laden on May 2, Obama said. "We've strengthened the partnerships and tools we need to prevail in this war against Al Qaeda, working closer with allies and partners; reforming intelligence to better detect and disrupt plots; investing in our special forces so terrorists have no safe haven."

A decade after 9/11, it is clear for all the world to see that the terrorists who attacked the US in 2001 are no match for the character of the American people, the resilience of Americans, or the endurance of their values, Obama said.

"They wanted to terrorise us, but we refuse to live in fear. Yes, we face a determined foe, and make no mistake -- they will keep trying to hit us again. But as we are showing again this weekend, we remain vigilant. We're doing everything in our power to protect our people. And no matter what comes our way, as a resilient nation, we will carry on," he said.

"They wanted to draw us in to endless wars, sapping our strength and confidence as a nation. But even as we put relentless pressure on Al Qaeda, we're ending the war in Iraq and beginning to bring our troops home from Afghanistan. Because after a hard decade of war, it is time for nation building here at home," Obama said.

The wanted to deprive the Americans of the unity that defines them as "a people", Obama said. "But we will not succumb to division or suspicion. We are Americans, and we are stronger and safer when we stay true to the values, freedoms and diversity that make us unique among nations."

"And they wanted to undermine our place in the world. But a decade later, we've shown America doesn't hunker down and hide behind walls of mistrust. We've forged new partnerships with nations around the world to meet the global challenges that no nation can face alone. And across the Middle East and North Africa a new generation of citizens is showing that the future belongs to those that want to build, not destroy."

Ten years ago, ordinary Americans showed the true meaning of courage when they rushed up those stairwells, into those flames, into that cockpit, Obama said.
"In the decade since, a new generation has stepped forward to serve and keep us safe. In their memory, in their name, we will never waver.

We will protect the country we love and pass it safer, tronger and more prosperous to the next generation," he added.