Secretary of State John Kerry conceded Monday that another terrorist attack in the United States is inevitable, but urged Americans to remain calm.
“People need to not panic,” he told NBC’s Savannah Guthrie. “There is a strategy in place growing by the day, and I have no doubt whatsoever that with the help of all the nations that are united against [ISIS], they are going to be defeated, and we’re going to do everything in our power to hasten that journey.”
It was a difficult interview for Kerry, who was confronted with Democratic criticisms of President Obama’s foreign policy. When asked if Americans should worry about an “imminent” threat, Kerry noted that there are no specific threats of pending terrorist attacks, but took care not to project too much confidence.
“Ever since 9/11, many experts across the United States, without regard to political party or to elections, have consistently said to us it’s probably not a question of if; it’s a question of when” another attack occurs, he said.
#share#As the interview concluded, Guthrie asked Kerry a direct question: “In a word, sir, is ISIS gaining strength?”
Kerry dodged the question. “I believe ISIS is going to be defeated,” he replied. “ISIS is not ten feet tall. I have absolute confidence that as we increase what we are doing today, as there is more focus — I’m just in Abu Dhabi now, we’ve just had serious meetings here, I’m about to meet with the Saudi Arabians — there is a very clear focus by everybody, there is a united front, and I am absolutely convinced that Daesh will be defeated and there will be increased steps taken in order to do so.”
— Joel Gehrke is a political reporter for National Review.