Obama Calls For Patience As America Continues 'Strong, Smart' Approach to Defeating Islamic State

U.S. President Barack Obama addressed the nation in a rare Oval Office speech on Sunday evening regarding the recent San Bernardino mass shooting, describing the tragedy as an "act of terrorism."

The president told Americans in his Oval Office address that the U.S. is dedicated to "destroying" the Islamic State terror group, but added that a boots-on-the-ground strategy in the Middle East is not the way to accomplish this goal.

"This was an act of terrorism designed to kill innocent people," Obama said of the recent San Bernardino mass shooting that killed 14. "Here's what I want you to know. The threat from terrorism is real, but we will overcome it. We will destroy ISIL and any other organization that tries to harm us."

While some have criticized the Obama administration for taking an ineffective approach to defeating extremist Islam, the president encouraged Americans to maintain patience as the U.S. takes a "strong and smart, resilient and relentless" approach to defeating global terrorism.

The president concluded his speech by telling the American people that the current strategy in place for defeating the Islamic State will in the end achieve the most "sustainable victory."

"The strategy that we are using now — airstrikes, Special Forces and working with local forces who are fighting to regain control of their own country — that is how we'll achieve a more sustainable victory," the president said.

"Our success won't depend on tough talk or abandoning our values or giving in to fear," the president added.