To deal with the heightening crisis in ukraine . Were bringing you live team coverage. Crisis management on a global scale for the president. Good morning, welcome to early start. Im christine romans. And im john berman. A very busy morning. Pressure mounting for president obama to strike back against isis, Authorities Say it beheaded a second american tuesday. The blackhooded executioner hold, a direct message to the president moments before Steven Sotloff was brutally murdered. With your insistence in continuing in mosul despite our serious warnings, you, obama, for your actions just another american citizen. Meanwhile, the president has authorized the deployment of 350 more u. S. Troops to iraq with the white house insisting they will not be serving in a combat role. Anna coren monitoring developments for us live in erbil, northern iraq. Good morning, anna. Hey, john, obviously, the announcement of 350 more troops coming here to iraq is certain welcomed by the iraqis as well as the kurds. Yes, they wont have a combat role but certainly they will be advising. And that is what the forces here node. They need that direction moving forward. Obviously, those air strikes pressuring isis, we heard the executioner of Steven Sotloff making direct reference to those air strikes around mosul dam, around amirli. These are places where isis is on the back foot. Obviously, those air strikes pressuring isis, theyre responding the way they are. We are, though, know they are digging in around certain parts where the air strikes have been. We just got off the phone with military officials who say that the township of zuma where theres fierce fighting going on the bodies of soldiers, civilians, as well as animals are being bobby trapped. This is what the peshmerga are having to deal with. Its a completely different scene out on the battlefield. There are no rules to this war. And obviously, now that a second american has been beheaded apparently by isis there is many people here, john, looking for guidance as to what to do next. Kurdish officials telling us now more than ever is the time the world needs to come together and unite because theres no place for isis in this world. Obviously, as we said, no rules in this conflict. Anna, you sort of mentioned it there. Whats the reaction been to this apparent second beheading. Ive been in iraq where theres awful brutality before, it casts a pall over everybody and even reporters. Whats there to see . Absolutely, people are sickened by it, they are appalled. As far as officials are concerned, they have come out and condemned this hideous brutal act. When we saw Steven Sotloff at the end of that video, many of us dreaded that he would face the same fate as james foley, while that video appeared yesterday, while everybody was shocked it didnt take any of us by surprise because isis is evil. We heard the mother of Steven Sotloff appeal directly to the leader of isis, abu al baghdadi, saying please spare my son he was merely inferior, covering the world, when Media Outlets where no longer going. He was there doing his job, bringing the news to the rest of the world. Sadly, tragically, that plea, that appeal, just fell on deaf ears. When we saw that video yesterday that executioner almost, you know, just its hard to describe the words, but just how he said to obama, obama, im back. You know. Its just the audacity of these people, this righteousness, this selfentitlement to terrorize and to create fear, inflict fear and pain and suffering but as we know, john, theyre also using these videos as propaganda tools as a recruitment tool, it disgusts us to think that people will be attracted to this, but sadly, they are, weve seen more people come to the region, more firefighters join this course. The audacity does leave loss for words. Weve seen this brutality in town after town, youve been covering northern iraq. We thank you for showing us whats going on. Anna coren in erbil, thank you so much. The sotloff family is waiting patiently for the confirmation of the video. Colleagues described him as an honest, thoughtful and courageous story teller. Listen to one childhood friend describe his determination to shed light on injustices. Steven was my hero. He was traveling to the most dangerous troubled places on the planet so he could report back stories of human suffering. He was someone who could not ignore pain and injustices. He felt responsible, and he had to respond. So what do we know about this individual and the isis executioner in it, karl penhaul is live in london with that later this half hour. The president has still not commented on the beheading of Steven Sotloff and the possible strategy to strike back against against isis. Hes in estonia this morning to assure the allies that the u. S. Will protect them against any russian aggression. We will bring it to you live. I want to bring in Matthew Chance, hes live from estonias capital city tallinn. They want assurance that any future aggression they will not be alone . Thats right, theres a couple of crises that president obama is having to deal with, first of all, this isis problem that we expect there will be a statement later on today. Certainly, hell be asked about it in the next half hour with the estonian president. The reason that president obama is here is to reassure estonia and the other baltic republics as well, the three nato states that in fact border russia, the United States stand with them. And allies stand with them in terms of russian aggression in terms of ongoing crisis in ukraine. Russia is just across the border from estonia, estonia deeply concerned it may be next on the russian list, thats made these republics very unsettled indeed. So president obama here, ahead of that nato summit to say, look, if youre a member of nato, were going to protect you. Arsenal five protecting attack is attack against call. The subtext of that and if youre not a nato member, you dont qualify for that kind of protection, of course, ukraine, where the crisis is right now is not a member of the nato alliance. Indeed, one of the reasons why ukraine would like to move forward closer to these european groups they want to be more alive with europe than russia and thats something that Vladimir Putin does not want. Quickly, this is the first time well be hearing from the president since the murder of Steven Sotloff. I can expect that well hear the president talk about that on the top of his remarks . This was always going to be on the agenda. He wasnt going to discuss this, it wasnt part of the agenda, but obviously, this gruesome video merging just after president obama got on the plane. Hell be asked questions about this issue in the press conference in the next 45 minutes. Thank you, matthew. Ukrainian Officials Say they are now engaged with direct forces with Russian Forces. Were live ten minutes from now. A military official said hamas suffered a huge dramatic hit during the 50day clash saying senior commanders were killed thousands were likely wounded and major damage was done to the groups military infrastructure. He also told the New York Times that hamas lost twothirds of its rockets. But only several hundred operatives out of a total of 16,000, thats heir estimate, only a few hundred were killed. Another american doctor has been diagnosed with the ebola virus. The doctor was treating pregnant women in liberia when he became ill. He was not treating ebola patients so its not sure how he got infected. The cdc says the window of opportunity to stop ebola from spreading that window is closing. Every nation needs to be concerned. Mean kyle, dr. Kent brantly is speaking out about his life and death battle with ebola after being brought to an atlanta hospital for treatment. I dont think they ever said, kent, i think youre about to die, but i felt like i was about to die. And i said to the nurse who was taking care of me, im sick. I have no reserve, and i dont know how long i can keep this up. I felt im not going to be able to continue breathing this way. And they had no way to breathe for me if i had quit breathing. World Health Organization meets this week for several promising drugs that could help in the fight against ebola. A new study says the virus is mutating dramatically, a development that could reduce the effectiveness of the drugs. With mapp experimental to speed the drug zmapp. The aclu is challenging the agencys Surveillance Program that was revealed by nsa whistleblower edward snowden. Attorneys for the nsa told the panel tuesday that the phone data is next to prevent terrorist plots. European stocks higher ahead of tomorrows European Bank meetingasian stocks ended the day higher on strong stocks on china. The s p 500 pointing very close to its record close. Our big story this morning, home depot investigating a huge security breach. This hack first reported by the cyberjournalist brian krebbs after a massive amount of debit card went on sale online. Krebbs said the hackers were at home depot since may. That could make the breach even larger than target last year that affected 110 million customers. Its remarkable to think about your information, john berman available on the black market. A few dollars, maybe 20 for people to create their own identity. Do you feel mine is not more than a few dollars . Im going to guess a few bucks. Were standing by this morning on early start because president obama is expected to address the media in less than an hour, in tallinn, the capital of estonia. So much to talk about. We have Major Developments right now in the fight against isis. The apparent beheading of a second american there. And Major Developments in the fighting in ukraine as well. Well bring you the very latest live from ukraine after the break. President obama in estonia at this hour for the start of a threeday european swing. Hes still not commented on the apparent beheading of american journalist Steven Sotloff by isis extremists. The president will be addressing the media in the next half hour. There are so many questions this morning. Well bring that to you live. Of course, hes also there to discuss russias aggressions in ukraine. Hes talking to baltic leaders. After that, the president heads to wales for a twoday summit. Breaking news the president of ukraine says hes spoken to russian president Vladimir Putin and the two leaders have agreed on a permanent ceasefire. This after ukrainian officials reported they are fully engaged with troops. An official told he could take kiev in two weeks if he wanted to. Reza sayah joining us. What do you know, reza, about a reported ceasefire, this could be a development in this conflict . Indeed it would, christine, it sounds like a breakthrough. We dont have all the details button its surface, it certainly seems like a pro development. Within the last hour, enter fax reporting that in a phone conversation between russian president Vladimir Putin and the ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko agreed on a path out of this conflict. Heres a quote from the spokesperson saying the viewpoints of the president s of the two countries largely coincide on possible ways out of the grave crisis. We then waited for reaction from ukrainian officials here in kiev. And they verified this, and in fact, they seemingly took it a step further. According to the president s office, the result of the conversation was an agreement on full ceasefire in dunbas. Thats the south ukrainian region where the conflict has taken place. Theyve also reached steps on peace. We dont know all the details of this agreement, but it certainly sounds like a ceasefire has been established. And the question is what concessions did the two sides make . Remember, kiev, the ukrainian officials, they wanted the prorussian rebels to lay down their arms, did that happen . We dont know at this point. On the other hand, the prorussian rebels want the a guarantee, autonomy of a centralized government. Did they get that. Were going to work to find out if they agreed that as part of this agreement, but in a conflict where we havent had much good news in the past several months, this looks to be potentially a stage for a possible ceasefire. The russian president s office saying the two spoke by phone and their views largely coincide. And its the ukrainian side taking a step further to say theyve agreed on a permanent ceasefire. Were waiting to get more on that, reza, thank you. The president s of the two countries, thats a very big deal. And president poroshenko tweeted out as a result of my phone conversation with the russian president , we reached an agreement on a permanent ceasefire. So this does seem to be the case right now. That say Major Development this morning. One of many Major Developments were following. As the president is there in the region. Exactly. And the president will no doubt take questions on. Hes in eastern europe, expected to speak to the media within the next 30 minutes . Will he address the apparent ceasefire . Will he discuss the apparent beheading of Steven Sotloff . Were live from london after the break. [ male announcer ] eligible for medicare . Thats a good thing, but it doesnt cover everything. Only about 80 of your part b medical expenses. The rest is up to you. So consider an aarp Medicare Supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. Like all standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans, they could save you in outofpocket medical costs. Call today to request a free decision guide. With these types of plans, youll be able to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts medicare patients. Plus, there are no networks, and virtually no referrals needed. Join the millions who have already enrolled in the only Medicare Supplement insurance plans endorsed by aarp. And provided by unitedhealthcare insurance company, which has over 30 years of experience behind it. With all the good years ahead, look for the experience and commitment to go the distance with you. Call now to request your free decision guide. For breaking news for you this morning. Just moments ago, u. S. Officials are confirming theyve now analyzed the isis showing the apparent beheading of the american journalist and they do say, they believe it is authentic. Right now, investigators continue to study frame by frame of this video to find out what they can learn. You can see that blackhooded member of this Islamic Extremist Group behind hip wielding that knife, this tape could contain clues for the untrained eye. The Intelligence Committee will go through every inch of this. Every second. Analyzing the electronic impulses. The video, the audio, the speech identification, geography, for whatever information it can provide. As well as the production techniques and any embedded information that may be there. Again, the news coming in just moments ago, the u. S. Intelligence committee now does believe that this video tragically is authentic. So the big question now this morning is there any evidence on that video that could lead the United States to sotloffs executioner, karl penhaul live from london this morning, good morning, karl. Good morning, john. British authorities are working to try and gain whatever clues they can from that video and also compare it to the previous video in which james foley was murdered two weeks ago. In fact, in a few moments saying the Prime Minister David Cameron has concluded his meeting. We would expect a statement from him shortly. What we do see, certainly the video leased yesterday and a few weeks ago appear to be named in a certain days of investigation. Why Steven Sotloff appears shavenheaded and with no beard. And in the video we saw yesterday he has a stubbly growth of hair and a stubbly beard. A number of days have passed also in the executioner in that very familiar british accent also refers to bombing raids around the town of amirli. Those took place saturday and sunday. And that raises the possibility that sotloff was murdered in just the last three days. Bringing you on to the executioner, he certainly looksing the same height, the same stature, the same build as in the first video. That accent, we ran that past a language expert and he believes the video is the same. And he believes that is a multicultural accent from a multicultural region of london. Karl penhaul in london, england, just one of the countries analyzing the video. And pouring over the names of hundreds of young men who they think are britishborn jihadis and where they are. 27 minutes past the hour. Were following the execution of the american Steven Sotloff. All of that as we await word from president obama. Hes set to speak to the media within the next 30 minutes. Weve got live teeth coverage of the president s arrival in estonia and his speech after the break. Bulldog quarterback takes the snap. Oh, he fakes a handoff and hes making a run. For mattress discounters fall kickoff sale right now, save up to 300 on Sealy Posturepedic and serta mattress sets. Even get 24 months interestfree financing on every tempurpedic. Youre going to love their football fieldsize selection. This calls for a little touchdown dance. Dont miss the fall kickoff sale at mattress discounters. Mattress discounters an american murdered by terrorists on camera. Isis claiming it has killed u. S. Journalist Steven Sotloff, the horrific video ending with the threat to kill again if u. S. Air strikes continue in iraq. Whats now being done to take down the organization. And new clues about the executioner were learning. President obama just minutes away from speaking in eastern europe, dealing with the crisis in russia. News this morning, the two countries just announcing a ceasefire. Ukraine and russia announcing a ceasefire. But will the apparent isis beheading of Steven Sotloff overshadow the president s trip . Well cover all the angles for you live. Welcome back to early start, everyone. A lot of breaking news this morning. Im john berman. And im christine romans. 32 minutes past the hour. Lets begin with the growing cries for president obama to strike back against the isis group. A video that is authentic, this just coming to us from u. S. Intelligence officials, they are authenticating that video where a knifewielding blackhooded executioner with the statement moments before the journalist Steven Sotloff was brutally murdered. Because of your insistence and continuing your bombs in amirli and mosul, you president obama are the blame for another american citizen. After the bombing in amirli. Meanwhile, the president has authorized the deployment of 350 more u. S. Troops to iraq, with the white house insisting they will not be serving in a combat role. Anna coren monitoring developments live from erbil, iraq. If youve got more u. S. Troops on the ground not in a combat role, these are clearly advisers helping the military and the peshmerga fight back isis, anna . Yeah, thats exactly right, christine, this is what they desperately need, more advisers to assist and guide the operation here. Really at the moment, it really is a haphazard approach going after isis. Yes, obviously, those u. S. Air strikes, 124 now today according to Central Command making a huge difference on the ground containing isis not allowing them to operate the way they have been for the past several months but not defeating them. And then we have the peshmerga, the Kurdish Forces, as well as the iraqi forces taking the fight to isis on the ground. But at the end of the day, christine, its not enough. They dont have the equipment, the resources, the skill, you know, to deal with isis. Were talking about an extremely sophisticated, wellresourced, organized terrorist organization, something the world has never seen before. So this is what theyre up against. So obviously a lot of president on president obama to come out with a strategy, to give the people here direction as to where to take this, how to take this fight. And obviously, those 350 american soldiers who are coming here in that add viev assisted role will certainly be guiding in that role, christine. And, anna, the reaction this morning to the murder of Steven Sotloff, the beheading in particular. Such a Public Relations propaganda tool for this group, meant to really inspire as much fear as possible. Yeah. Its sickening. Its absolutely sickening, when we saw that video come through late yesterday, there was just a sense of dread. Speaking to officials here in kurdistan, they obviously have condemned the video, this barbaric and inhumane act. They say now more than ever is the time that the world must come together to defeat isis because there is no place for isis in this world. Obviously, similar sentiments coming out of baghdad. People are appalled by this abhorrent act. And obviously, the fear will be that this will just continue. Obviously, the execution at the end of the video threatening the british hostage that appeared. It is just ruthless. It is gruesome. And as you say, it is there to inflict fear. It was a direct message to president obama, the executioner saying, obama, im back. Im back because of the arrogance of your foreign policy. Against the Islamic State. The socalled Islamic State, this caliphate that theyre setting up against syria and iraq. But certainly, here, on the ground, there is just a feeling that isis needs to be dealt with. Because at the moment, they are being contained. But theyre still being allowed to do what they do. You know, on the battlefield, we are hearing about them booby trapping dead bodies, animals. They drove a truck packed with explosives into the front line of the peshmerga near mosul dam this critical piece of infrastructure that Kurdish Forces managed to get back. But isis is still fighting. Theyre digging and not retreating. While its making a big difference, its not defeating isis and president obama knows this. Anna corn in erbil, iraq. Thank you. The sotloff family grieving privately awaiting authentication of the video something that u. S. Intelligence officials have just told us yes indeed, they can authenticate the video. Their son being remembered for his heartfelt work in egypt. One saying hes a courageous reporter. Listen to a friend. Steven was my hero. He was traveling to the most dangerous troubled places on the planet so that he could report back stories of human suffering. He was someone who could not ignore pain and injustices. He felt responsible, and he had to responsible. Exactly what do we know about this video and the isis executioner, karl penhaul, hes live in london with that part of the story. Hes going to break down intelligence officials and what kind of information can be gleaned from that. Theres still conversation on the beheading of Steven Sotloff. But that could change within the minutes. Were awaiting a News Conference with president obama live in estonia. Hes in estonia meeting with the president there. He is there to talk about the ongoing crisis in ukraine. From that region there has been breaking news as well. Word from the president of ukraine of a ceasefire between ukraine and russia. That coming in just moments ago. Lets bring in our International Correspondent Matthew Chance live from estonias capital city tallinn. Good morning, matthew. Good morning. As president obama finds his feet here in tallinn, the capital estonia, currently in a meeting with the estonian president. Within the next 15 minutes hes go to be taking a joint News Conference with the president of estonia. Its not sure what is going to be first, the confirmation of the killing of journalist Steven Sotloff is authentic or what has transpired in the last hour, that theres been a telephone conversation between president Vladimir Putin and Petro Poroshenko declaring theyve had a ceasefire over terrible fighting over the past several months. That came from confirmation from the kremlin saying they had a conversation and said there were large areas of overlaps. But the ukrainian leadership going a step further and saying, look, weve agreed to a permanent ceasefire for this area, john. Were awaiting this News Conference. Just minutes away from hearing from the president , his first chance to address the murder of Steven Sotloff and now his first chance to address the ceasefire as well. Matthew, these baltic countries that border russia, what do they want to hear from the president this morning . They want reassurance. Thart only three countries of nato, lithuania, latvia and estonia that actually border russia. Theyre deeply concerned that this increased russian insurgence in ukraine and other soviet republics as well, of course, estonia was a soviet republic up until 1991. And theyre looking to president obama coupling here offering that assurance. Estonia say nato country. It qualifies for article 5 protection. Attack on one country is an attack on all of them. And thats the message that president obama is trying to deliver here and is clearly delivering. Of course, the subtext of that and this may feed into the ceasefire negotiations that have taken place between ukraine and russia, the subtext of that, if youre not a nato member you dont qualify for that kind of protection. Of course, ukraine is not a member of the nato alliance. That may be why theyve had this conversation, the ukrainian and russian president s and hammered out a deal on their own. Matthew chance in estonia where the president is set to speak in a few minutes. Thank you so much. And his first Public Comments since the isis beheading of steven sloft, what will he say in the response to that terrorist in the desert nap address will happen in minutes. A ceasefire with russia announced just minutes ago. Were going to head live to ukraine with what this means moving forward. Put some meat on the bones of the ceasefire deal with raieza sayah after the break. [ male announcer ] eligible for medicare . Thats a good thing, but it doesnt cover everything. Only about 80 of your part b medical expenses. The rest is up to you. So consider an aarp Medicare Supplement insurance plan, insured by unitedhealthcare insurance company. Like all standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans, they could save you in outofpocket medical costs. Call today to request a free decision guide. With these types of plans, youll be able to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts medicare patients. Plus, there are no networks, and virtually no referrals needed. Join the millions who have already enrolled in the only Medicare Supplement insurance plans endorsed by aarp. And provided by unitedhealthcare insurance company, which has over 30 years of experience behind it. With all the good years ahead, look for the experience and commitment to go the distance with you. Call now to request your free decision guide. President obama in estonia this hour for the start of a threeday european swing. He still has not commented on the beheading of american journalist Steven Sotloff by isis extremists. Were just getting word that u. S. Intelligence officials have authenticated that video that you see of mr. Sotloff and an isis executioner. So the u. S. Government saying, yes, it appears had a phone call with ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, and the two agreed on a path out of the this conflict. We then waited to hear from ukrainian officials here in kiev. And indeed, they verified that phone conversation, the office of the president indeed taking it a step further. Heres a Statement Released from poroshenkos office. The result of the conversation was an agreement on a full ceasefire in a region in south ukraine where this conflict unfolded. And on steps that would lead to peace. Then we waited to hear from the prorussian rebels in southEastern Ukraine. We havent heard from them yet, but again, the Russian Agency interfax reporting that the prorussian rebels have also agreed to a ceasefire in southern ukraine. Again, we dont know all the details of this meeting but whats surprising, john, up until this report, these two leaders with hurling accusations and veiled insults, but indications now that the two sides have agreed to a ceasefire. Now, we watch the battlefield to see how this impacts the battlefield. And if indeed the fighting stops in southEastern Ukraine. Now, the rhetoric had been heating up, reza, as you pointed out. So if the ceasefire does hold it would be dramatic events on the ground. Reza, i should tell you were maybe minutes or so away from hearing from president obama delivering a News Conference in estonia. Youre looking at live pictures there. This is the president s first chance to address the beheading of Steven Sotloff and also the president s first chance to address the apparent ceasefire in ukraine. Riza, i do want to ask you about that, the fact that the deal was reached between the two president , president Vladimir Putin of russia and president poroshenko of ukraine, that might put extra weight on it . I think theres for question about it, and its also significant because many observers were saying with the involvement, with the increasing involvement of nato in regional countries, that was complicating this conflict. And the only solution and the only path to a settlement between these two sides, kiev and the prorussian rebels were for them to sit down and hammer out some sort of settlement. And indications are theyve reached some sort of ceasefire. Now, we wait to see what kind of concessions both sides made. Remember, kievs demand was for prorussian rebels to disarm, lay down their weapons, did that indeed happen . We dont know at this point. Then you have the prorussian rental rebels they were englanding autonomy, a federalized ghost. Did they get that concession . Thats not clear. Were waiting to see if a formal confirmation is made. Again, as i said, reza, were waiting for president obama to deliver a News Conference from estonia just minutes from now. Reza, this ceasefire announced from Eastern Ukraine, very different from two weeks ago. The pro russian separatists have made significant gains, if the gains remain static, that is, they get to keep what that he achieved in the last few weeks this more more advantageous for them than it was last month. Yeah, the prorussian rebels have been making significant gains. Ukrainian forces have been losing significant territory. And they were on the verge of losing another significant piece of turf, the donetsk airport. 90 of the airport, conversation to proRussian Forces were in their hands. The Ukrainian Forces lost another significant airport in rebelheld liuhansk. And paechdly backed by forces and heavy weaponry, of course, moscow denies they were involved militarily with the counteroffensive. Kiev continues the accusations but if indeed russia was involved, and if indeed a ceasefire was established certainly, many observers will say russias involvement will have had an impact on how things turned out. So russia is facing major further rachetedup sanctions from the e. U. What leaders are going to be talking about today and certainly this week. It takes the pressure off the economy. Im watching the russian stock market, its up about 3 . Clearly, inside russia, Business Leaders are relieved about the prospect of a ceasefire because this is something that has been hurting russian citizens as well. I mean, youve got Vladimir Putin who has been faced with sanctions from around the world. And his behavior until now has not changed reza. Yeah, i think its a very different point of view from moz cow. Moscows acuing kiev, western capitals, washington, nato, of bad behavior. Many say the crux of this conflict here in ukraine is concern that theyre threatening it with expansion. Thats what moscow is worried about. Theres assurances from moscow that nato is not going to expand its sphere into russia. And then the fact of the economy, the russia the baltic states, it wasnt good for anyone. Then you have the humanitarian crisis. More than 1. People displaced, many people eager to see a resolution to this conflict. And maybe, maybe, we have it today. And the question remains what does it mean for president obama as he faces this crisis and so many crises from around the world. He is in estonia where he will deliver a News Conference with the president of estonia tomas hendrick. This is also the first command for the president to respond to the beheading of Steven Sotloff. And christine, we just heard moments ago that u. S. Officials did authenticate that video. It is an execution video of Steven Sotloff, so, of course, tragic news. Two Major Developments this morning. Reza, the countries of eastern urp, estonia, lithuania, poland, what do they want to hear from the president this morning . Well, i think they want to hear that the president and nato is supporting them. Theyre firmly in a position that theyre with nato. That the president is supporting them. And i think when you look at the situation in ukraine, again, the concern is the trend towards ukraine perhaps becoming a nato country. When you look back at 1991, the fall of the soviet urine there were assurances that the baltic states, the Eastern European states would not join the nato alliance. And steadily, many of the baltic states, including the ones that you named, they joined the nato alliance. And when this unfolded here in ukraine, there was concern that ukraine was the next country to leave russias sphere of influence and go to the nato alliance. Certainly when you talk about the baltic states, they want to hear that obama is backing them. Nato, still impact with the ability to protect european state its and Eastern European states but the ukrainian situation a whole different set of circumstances. Its going to be interesting to see what assurance moscow gets that nato influence is not expanded towards ukraine. It still is russia versus the west with the two different world views. You know, that is still the big issue that will be on the table. Reza sayah, thank you for that from ukraine. Were waiting on the president. Were going to bring it to you live when he takes the podium. Were expecting him to make some remarks about the murder of Steven Sotloff, about the ceasefire in ukraine. Well be right back. The president is expected to speak to the media any mom female narrator through sunday, its posturepedic through sunday, its posturepedic versus beautyrest with up to 400 off. Serta icomfort and tempurpedic go headtohead with three years interestfree financing. Mattress price wars end sunday at sleep train. Your ticket to a better nights sleep and stand together with the United States and our allies on this issue. The main issue on our agenda today is security. The question on everyones mind is the situation in ukraine and its wider impact on european security. I just did hear that president poroshenko and president putin have agreed on a ceasefire. I just hope it works. But in the general situation we need to be clear and consistent in the language that we use to describe the situation in ukraine. As the e. U. Underlined last weekend, this is russian aggression. The e. U. And the United States are ready to take further restrictive measures in response to russias behavior. Russia must admit that it is a party to the conflict, and take genuine steps that will lead to a deescalation of the conflict. We must also continue to support ukraine by providing the country with the assistance that it needs. When it comes to the security of our region, the United States engagement runs deep. Estonia is a close and reliable ally to the United States. We take our nato commitment seriously, very seriously. We have not sat back and waited for others to take care of our security. Since joining the alliance, estonia soldiers have consistently defends the premiums of others in afghanistan, iraq and now in the republic. We dedicate significant resources to our defense and are consistently increasing our National Defense capacity. Were grateful to the United States for sending troops here and for actively participating in the Baltic Air Policing mission. Your presence underlies the credibility of natos article 5. Without a doubt, your bilateral contributions have helped set an example for other nato allies. A robust and visual presence here in estonia is the best way of disturbing any pofr aggressors. We look forward to the nato summit tomorrow confirming this. For we face a completely new security situation in europe, and we are pleased that this is reflected in many of the summits documents. We expect the nato summit in wales to adopt the readiness action plan that will guide allied nations for years to come through a set of practical steps and measures of reassurance and deterrents. In addition to our close defense cooperation, im also pleased that our bilateral relations are strong in many, many other areas including and especially cyber and energy security. Globally, we are working together to promote our common values, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Estonia say world leader in Internet Freedom and an in egovernance. We have a liberal economy offering many exciting opportunities for increased trade, cooperation and investment. And this is also one reason why believe the tip is a crucial effort on the part of the European Union and United States. Let me once again [ president obama to estonia, to northern europe, one of europes most prosperous and successful regions. Our countries share common values and interests. And im certain that together, we can and will contribute to the vision of a europe whole, free and at peace. Thank you. Well, to president i want to thank you for welcoming me here today. It is a great honor to be in estonia especially as we welcome nato allies. Mr. Mr. President , thank you for being outstanding partner. I spoke toe white house last year. Your life reflects the story of your nation, the son of refugees who returned home to help chart a path for a free and democratic estonia. As many of you know, that long journey also took toomas and his family to america, to new jersey where they still remember him as tom. It was wonderful to meet your daughter today and find out she had gone back to new jersey as well. He says that he knew Bruce Springsteen before he had his first record, so you embody the deep ties between americans and estoni estonians. I want to thank you for your friendship. Ive come here together because estonia is one of the Great Success stories among the nations that reclaimed their independence after the cold war. Youve built a vibrant democracy and new prosperity. Youve become a model for how citizens can interact with their government in the 21st century, something president ilvez has championed. You can get anything done from their childrens grades to their health records. I should have called the estonians when we were setting up our health care website. Most of all, im here because estonia has been a model ally. Estonian forces have served with courage and skill in iraq and afghanistan. And we honor our Service Members who made the ultimate sacrifice in afghanistan including nine brave estonians. As nato nears the end of the combat in three months i want to thank estonia for the commitments youve made for helping to sustain Afghan Security forces going forward. As a hightech leader, estonia is playing a leading role in protecting neighbors from cyberthreats. Estonia contributes its full share, its full 2 of gdp to alliance. In other words, estonia meets its responsibilities as we head to the summit in wales, estonia is an example of how every nato member needs to do its fair share for our collective defense. Ive come here first and foremost to recommit estonia. We have duties to defense. That say commitment that is unbreakable. Its unwavering, it is eternal and estonia will never stand alone. As president , ive made sure that we are fulfilling that promise. Early in my presidency, i urged our alliance to update our Contingency Planning for the defense of this region and additional nato forces began rotating through the baltics, including estonia for more training and exercises. In response to russias actions in ukraine earlier this year, the United States increased our presence further. Weve contributed Additional Aircraft to the Baltic Air Policing mission, a mission to which 14 our nato allies have also contributed over the past decade. Continuously rotating Additional Aircraft through the baltics. I look forward to joining the Prime Minister in thanking our Service Members later today. On my viers to warsaw this spring, i announced a new mission to bolster the american presence here in europe, including the baltics, and were working with congress to make sure that we deliver. Today, i can announce that this initiative will include Additional Air force units and Aircraft Training exercises here in the north baltic region. And we agree with our estonia allies that an ideal location to host and support these exercises would be amare air base here in estonia. Im confident i can make this happen and look forward to making this happen when we meet with the president s this afternoon. As president as indicated we spend a great deal of time on russias aggression against ukraine. Ill have much more to say about this in my speech for today. For now, i just want to commend estonia including the president for being such a strong voice in nato and the e. U. On behalf of the ukrainian people. Estonia has provided assistance as ukrainians work to strengthen their Democratic Institutions and their economy. Because we stand together, russia is paying a heavy price for its actions, and nato is poised to do more to help ukraine strengthen its forces and defend their country. And more broadly, i want to expend estonia for being such a strong member of nato, more supporting the relief efforts for the syrian people, helping nations like tunisia standing up for Internet Freedom and human ryes. This nation of 1. 3 Million People as we say truly punches above its weight. The world is better for it. And thats another reason why the United States will be proud to stand with our ally estonia. Finally, i want to say today the prayers of the American People are with the family of a devoted and courageous journalist Steven Sotloff. Overnight, our government determined that tragically steven was taken from us in a horrific act of violence. We cannot even begin to imagine the agony that everyone who loved steven is feeling right now, especially his mother, his father and his younger sister. So, today, our country grieves with them. Like jim foley before him, steves life stood in sharp contrast to those who murdered him so brutally. They make the absurd name that they kill in the name of religion, but it was steven, his friend says, who deeply loved the islamic world. His killers tried to claim that they defend the oppressed, but it was steven who traveled across the middle east risking his life to tell the story of muslim men and women demanding justice and dignity. Whatever the murderers think theyll achieve by killing innocent americans like steven, they have already failed. Theyve failed because like people around the world, americans are repulsed by their barberisms. We will not be intimidated, their acts only unite us to stiffen against terrorists. And those who make the mistake of harming americans we will not forget and our reach is long and justice will be served. Mr. President. Well, i will open things up for some questions, i understand, two from estonia journalists and two from president s obamas entourage. As the host, ill give the first opportunity to one of our top questioners on the map. Yes, thank you. To distinguished both president s. The partnership between russia and nato as a state as we all know, why to keep actually it alive, the agreement signed in 1997 with russia and nato, perhaps it would push or give some new opportunities to our region security in estonia, latvia and lithuania. Well, from our side, first of all, nato did decide to freeze its relations with russia several months ago. But on the other issue in terms of what are the implications of the nato russia founding act, i say you cant do anything because the nato. Reporter russia founding act that these conditions hold in the current and foreseeable future or the security environment of the current and foreseeable future. That was the security environment of 1997, when Boris Yeltsin was president. And there had been no violations of either the u. N. Charter or the 1975 helsinki final act in 1990 paris charger. So i would argue this is an unforeseen and new security environment. And, therefore, one has to hold on to certain provisions. It does not mean we have to go through the whole act, but certainly, when an agreement, in certain parts no longer holds, well, then, its time to make a change. I mean, the nato russia founding act has been founded by russia. We continue to support the vision of that document, but its substance has changed dramatically. And i am confident that all of nato actions are and will be conducted in accordance with its National Commitment as an alliance. The circumstances clearly have changed. And i think this will be a topic of discussion in wales. Beyond the issue of that particular document, our top priority has been to make sure that theres no ambiguity when it comes to our article 5 commitments to our nato allies. And as a consequence of the rotations that have been increased, the presence of u. S. Troops in the course of those rotation and additional nato allies, what we want to send a clear message is that, we take those commitments seriously. And i think whats going to be clear, during the course of the summit is that given the changed landscape, not only do we have to make sure that these rotations are effective and designed towards current threats, but more broadly, nato has to look at its defense capabilities as a whole. And make sure that they are updated and properly resourced. You know, for, i think a certain period of time, there was a complacency here in europe about the demands that were require to make sure that nato was able to function effectively. My former secretary of defense i think came here and gave some fairly sharp speeches repeatedly about the need for making certain that every nato member was doing its fair share. I think secretarygeneral rasmussen during his the course of his tenure continually emphasized the need for us to upgrade our joint capabilities. You know, obviously, whats happened ed ied in ukraine is but i do think it gives us an opportunity to look with fresh eyes and to understand what it is thats necessary to make sure that our nato commitments are met. And thats one of the reasons why im here in estonia today. Im going to call on ann compton and on her farewell tour. Thank you very much, mr. President. Now that you say that a second american has been slain, what is your response . Will air strikes continue inside iraq . Might they expand into syria . Will you have a full strategy on isis which will satisfy like those like president cameron who called an imminent and will it be like those like senator feinstein who have said youve been too cautious . Keep in mind from the outset from the moment that isis went into mosul, we considered this a Severe Threat not only to iraq but to the region. Number one, to make sure that americans were protected in iraq in our embassies, our consulates. Number two, that we worked with iraqis to create a functioning government that was inclusive and that could serve as the basis for iraq to begin to go on the offensive. And the air strikes that weve conducted in support of protecting americans, conducting humanitarian missions and providing space for the Iraqi Government to form had bourne fruit. Weve seen that in sinjar mountain. We saw that most recently in the town of amirli which held out in the siege against isil. Weve seen progress in the formation of inclusive sunni shia kurd central government. So what weve seen is the strategy that weve laid out moving effectively. But what ive said from the start is that this is not going to be a oneweek, onemonth, or sixmonth proposition. Because of whats happened in the vacuum of syria, as well as the battlehardened elements of isis that grew out of al qaeda and iraq during the course of the iraq war, its going to take time for us to be able to roll them back. And it is going to take time for us to be able to form the Regional Coalition thats going to be required, so we can reach out to sunni tribes in some of the areas that isis has occupied. And make sure that we have allies on the ground in combination with the air strikes that weve already conducted. So the bottom line is this, our objective is clear and that is to degrade and destroy isis so its no longer a threat not just to iraq, but also to the region and to the United States. In order for us to accomplish that, the first phase has been to make sure weve got an Iraqi Government thats in place, and that we are blunting the momentum that isil was carrying out. And the air strikes have done that. But now, what we need to do is make sure that weve got the regional strategy in place that can support an ongoing effort, not just in the air, but on the ground, to move that forward. And last week, when this question was asked, i was specifically referring to the possibility of the military strategy inside of syria that might require congressional approval. It is very important from my perspective that when we send our pilots in, to do a job that we know that this is a mission thats going to work, that were very clear what our objectives are, what our targets are. Weve made the case to congress, weve made the case to the American People. And weve got allies behind us, so that its not just a oneoff, but its something that over time is going to be effective. And so, bottom line is this, ann, its not only that were going to be bringing the justice to those who perpetrated this terrible crime against these two fine young men. More broadly, the United States will continue to lead a regional and International Effort against the kind of barbaric and ultimately empty vision that isil represents. And thats going to take some time. But were going to get it done. Im very confident of it. Did you just say that the strategy is to destroy isis, or to simply contain them or push them back . What were going to our objective is to make sure that isil is not an ongoing threat to the region. And we can accomplish that. Its going to take some time. And its going to take some effort. As weve seen with al qaeda, there are always going to be remnants that can cause havoc. On any of these networks, in part, because of the nature of terrorist activities. You get a few individuals, and they may be able to carry out a terrorist act. But what we can do is to make sure that the kind of systemic and broadbased aggression that weve seen on isil that terrorizes primarily muslims, shia, sunni, terrorizes kurds terrorizes not just iraqis but people throughout the region, that that is degraded to the point that it is no longer the kind of factor that weve seen it being over the last several months. My question is also for both president s. Ukraine is facing difficult time on the situation on the ground may become even more complicated in the runup to the Parliament Elections there in october. In your view, what more could be done and should be done in support of ukraine, politically, economically, and also from Security Point of view . What do you think about the idea providing Ukraine Armed forces with weapons to counter russias attack in the east of the country more effectively . Thank you. Well, most importantly, ukraine needs, above all, continued political support. And that from that support comes decisions that involve Everything Else economic aid, humanitarian aid and also military aid. And from that also decisions on equipment. In wales, the nato Ukraine Committee will gather and decide how to increase in nato defense cooperation with ukraine. This is the kind of decision that we have been we in nato take together. On the humanitarian side, we have doubled our humanitarian and Development Assistance in looking for what more we can do, we have already brought wounded, seriously wounds ukrainian soldiers to our topnotch Rehabilitation Center here. And will continue to do so, that is certainly one thing that is we know the ukrainians lack that. And we have it at a superbly high level. And i should add quickly with the assistance of the United States and the Walter Reed Hospital that we have this here. The next couple of months, leading up to the parliamentary elections will be very tricky. Russia, i predict, will do everything in its power to undermine the elections. We saw this already in the case of the president ial elections. It will try to destabilize the government in kiev. And to keep Ukrainian Forces from regaining ground in the east. So, we should be prepared for a tough several, or month, month and a half. The next government, of course, that will be then will have the full legitimacy that comes with a new parliamentary elections must show that it is a clear and better alternatives to the one that the people of ukraine ousted half a year ago. And i also see that making sure, ensuring that the elections are carried out in a free and fair manner will be a top most priority for us, for the osce, and i think one of the issues i think should be one the kind of interference that we saw in the president ial election thats not be allowed and fully addressed and recognized by the monitoring of the elections. I think that we all, after especially the president ial elections, we all know what the russians Russian Forces can do to disrupt the democratic process. And i think we should be far better prepared to document all of that when we get to the elections. Political support is absolutely vital. And one of our goals at the summit over the next several days is to once again project unity across nato. On behalf of ukraines efforts to maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sanctions that weve applied so far have had a real effect on russia. And i think its important for us to continue to impose costs on russia, so long as it is violating bake principles of international law. And so far, at least, weve been able to combine efforts between europe and the United States and some of our allies around the world. And the results are a russian economy that is effectively contracting, capital flight, putting a burden on the russian economy. That at the moment may be overridden by politics inside of russia as a consequence of staterun propaganda. But over time, will point to the fact that this is a strategy thats not serving russia well, in addition to not serving ukraine obviously well. Beyond that, the ukrainian economy is something that we have been paying a lot of attention to. We helped work with the imf to ensure that ukraine had the resources to get through some of the emergency financing issues that they had to deal with. But were going to have more work to do. The military efforts that have been require to deal with russian finance, russianarmed, russian trained and russiansupported and also russiandirected separatists has meant that has met a drain on the ukrainian economy. Not to mention the fact you have Major Industrial areas inside of ukraine that obviously have been impacted by the conflict there. So were going to have to make sure that the International Community stands behind the ukrainian economy in the short term. Even as we encourage and advise and work with ukraine to carry out some of the basic reforms that are going to be required in order for them to achieve the kinds of models of success that weve seen in estonia, poland and other places. And thats a tough road to hoe. Its took a couple of decades for some of the countries who are currently in the e. U. , to achieve the sort of marketbase reforms that have led to great prosperity. Ukraine is not able to do that overnight but were helping to make sure we can help build a bridge towards that new future. And if we combine those efforts with a commitment to continuing the nato Ukraine Military relationship. They are not a member of nato, but we have consistently worked with their military in terms of training and support. Then, you know, i think that not only will ukraine feel that in words we are behind them, but theyll see that, indeed, we are working with them as well. Steven howell of route gereuter. Will you have this discussion ready with nato allies this week . And if your view, what should nato be prepared to do on islam ig state . Lastly, how much stock do you put in this reported ceasefire between ukraine and russia. How do you assess putins motives . Its too hard to tell what the ceasefire means. We havent seen a document. Weve only seen a couple of wire reports. We have consistently supported the efforts of president poroshenko for an immediate ceasefire that could lead to a political settlement of the conflict. So far, it hasnt helped. Either because russia has not been serious about it or has pretended that its not controlling the separatists. And the separatists, when they thought it was to their advantage are not abided by the ceasefire, so we havent we havent seen a lot of followup on socalled announced ceasefires. Having said that, if in fact russia is prepared to stop financing army training, in many cases, joining with russian troops, activities in ukraine, and is serious about a political settlement that is something that we all hope for. Ive said consistently, our preference is a strong, productive cooperative russia. But the way to achieve that is by abiding to international norms. To improving the economy. To focusing on how they can actually produce goods and services that other people want and give opportunity to their people and educate them. Thats not the path that theyve been pursuing over the last several years. Certainly, not in evidence when it comes to their strategy in the ukraine. Ill leave it up to others to interpret mr. Putins psychology on this. But in terms of actions, what weve seen is aggression and appeals to, you know, national sentiments, that have historically been very dangerous in europe. And lately a cause of concern. So theres an opportunity here, lets see if theres followup. In my discussions with president poroshenko, ive consistently said that he needed to follow up on the kinds of reforms that he proposed so that Eastern Ukraine feels as if it is fairly represented. And that russian language speakers are protected against discrimination. These are all things that are part of his platform. We encourage them to move forward. But no realistic political settlement can be achieved if effectively russia says we are going to continue to send tanks and troops and arms and advisers under the guise of separatists who are not homegrown. And the only possible settlement is if ukraine cedes its territory or its sovereignty about makes decisions about its security and its economic future. With respect to iraq, we will be discussing this topic even before isil dominated the headlines. One of the concerns that weve had is the development of terrorist networks and organizations, separate and apart from al qaeda, whose focus often tiles is regional. And who are combining terrorist tactics with the tactics of small armies. And weve seen isis to be the first one that has broken through. But we anticipated this a while back and it was reflected in my west points speech. So one of our goals was to get nato for work with us to create the types of partnerships regionally that can combat not just isil, but these kinds of networks as they arise and potentially destabilize allies and partners of ours in the region. Already, weve seen nato countries recognize the severity of this problem. That is, its going to be a longrun problem. You know, immediately, theyve dedicated resources to help us with humanitarian air drops to provide arms to the peshmerga and to the Iraqi Security forces. And we welcome those efforts. What we hope to do at the nato summit is to make sure that were more systematic about how we do it. That were more focused about how we do it. Nato is unique in the annals of history as a successful alliance, but we have to recognize that threat ease involve. And threats have evolved as a consequence of what weve seen in ukraine. But threats are also evolving in the middle east that have a direct effect on europe. And to go back to what i said earlier, to ann, you know, we know that if we are joined by the International Community, we can continue to shrink isils sphere of influence, its effectiveness, its financing. Its military capabilities to the point where it is a manageable problem. You know, the question is going to be making sure weve got the right strategy, but also making sure weve got the international will to do it. This is something that is a continuation of a problem weve seen certainly since 9 11, but before. And it continues to metastasize in different ways. And what weve got to do is make sure that we are organizing the arab world, the middle east, the muslim world, along with the International Community to isolate this cancer. This particular brand of extremism that is first and foremost destructive to the muslim world and the arab world and north africa. And the people who live there. Theyre the ones who are most severely affected. Theyre the ones who are constantly under threat of being killed. Theyre the ones whose economies are completely upended to the point where they cant produce their own food. And they cant produce the kinds of goods and services to sell in the world marketplace. And theyre falling behind because of this very small and narrow but very dangerous segment of the population. And weve got to combat it in a sustained effective way. And im confident were going to be able to do that. All right. Thank you very much. Appreciate it, mr. President. Thank you so much. Youve been watching the News Conference from estonia, president obama and the estonian president right there addressing many, many questions. Major developments this morning. The white house confirming the authenticity of the video showing the execution of Steven Sotloff. There had been word of ceasefire. The president answering questions on both of those subjects. He did. He gave the clearest words yet on what the u. S. Goal with isil. He said the strategy is clear, he will degrade and destroy isil. Of course, he said the United States government and the events, the people in america grieve with the family of Steven Sotloff. As for the people who killed Steven Sotloff, the president said, we will not forget. Our reach is long. Justice will be served. I want to bring in Matthew Chance live from the estonia capital tallinn. Matthew, you watched that, the president addressing the major, Major Developments this morning. He talked of Steven Sotloff as a devoted, courageous journalist. And his death, a horrific act of violence. Absolutely, condemning that slaying of that american journalist. Saying also whatever the Islamic State thinks it will achieve in doing this, it has already failed, committing again to try to build an International Coalition to remove the threat that isis or Islamic State poses. This is what he said, our objective is to make sure that isil, as he calls it, is no longer a threat to the region. Now, the means by which that will happen obviously will be a matter of discussion amongst allies at the nato summit. Thats taking place in wales tomorrow. One of the issues there. Thats obviously going to come to the forward. These horrific developments, president obama saying essentially that the nation is grieving along with the family of Steven Sotloff right now. Matthew, let me ask you this, does it seem to you as though he gave a clearer strategy for what the United States prepared to do inside of syria . This has been the question over the past week, really week and a half, when he famously said he did not have a strategy inside syria. Hes clarifying it again today saying, look, i was talking about military strategy, that wed potentially have to have the approval of the congress of the United States. He said the goal here get an Iraqi Government in place, blunt isils movement and then have a regional strategy in place. Was he more clear about his strategy inside syria . Well, really, i think besides that issue, as far as i heard, anyway, but hes been very clear on this, which is, this is not something that the United States is going to undertake on its own. Very clear this was part of a strategy that he was going to lead as the presence of the United States. And an International Coalition that would gather together and together prevent isil becoming a threat in the region. So, no clarity to i heard at least about whether or not there would be air strikes against isil in syria or whether that would continue in iraq. I think were in agreement on that. He didnt go there at all. Matthew, the other major news this morning, there had been some word coming out of ukraine, the office of president poroshenko there, that a ceasefire had been reached between the ukrainian president and the russian president. President obama asked about this, he said its simply too early to tell. He hopes theres a deal. But too early to tell. Have you been speaking to people inside of russia . Yes, i have. Ive been to the president ial spokesman inside of russia, dmitry peskov. Hes the righthand man. He said there has been a telephone conversation, but no such ceasefire agreement had been actually made. Because, and this is part of the whole russian denial thats involved in ukraine. Because of course, Vladimir Putin is not party to the conflict, he said. Its not up to him to negotiate a ceasefire. Its for the remembers and the Ukrainian Government to negotiate a ceasefire. All that was agreed was sort of a wrote map, a regime for a ceasefire to take root. Now, we can take this at face value or not but it seems that some kind of agreement has been made. Its just that the russians want a degree of distance from that. We got to see how that unfolds because thats not, no, theres no ceasefire. Its just that president putin couldnt agree to it technically because he still agrees hes fighting inside of ukraine. Well have to see how that unfolds. Matthew chance, thank you. Meantime, the president said the separatists are russian trained, russian supported and russian directed by russia. So the president very clear who he thinks is responsible for the rivn unrest. President obama has authorized another 350 troops to be sent in iraq. This news coming as isis beheaded a second american journalist Steven Sotloff. Heres what the president said about that just a short time ago. Whatever these murderers think theyll achieve by killing incident americans like steven, they have already failed. Theyve failed because, like people around the world, americans are repulsed by their barberism. We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us as a country and stiffen our resolve to take it fight against these terrorists. And those who make the mistake of harming americans will learn that we will not forget and that our reach is long and that justice will be served. We will not forget, our reach is long, justice will be served. The message from president obama to isis this morning. Joining us from london is harris lafitte outreach officer that looked into counterterrorism training. Harris, thank you for being bips i was struck by one aspect of the president s message. He tried to juxtaposed Steven Sotloff who he called courageous. He juxtaposed seen sotloff against isis, barbaric. It was Steven Sotloff who traveled around the middle east to report on the oppressed. I was struck by that juxtaposition. Absolutely. First of all id like to offer my condolences to Steven Sotloffs family, this tragic act. The way president obama described isis is correctly how he contrasting isis to sotloff. Isis as a muslim, i refuse to recognize the fact that they are islamic and that theyre a state. The way that theyve been behaving and set up the caliphate, Sheikh Mohammed launched by a number of cleric, in the uk actually condemning isis, actually calling it unlawful for muslims around the world to actually join them, never mind take on terrorist activity. Absolutely, president obama is right, theyre not sotloff. And president obama was behaving as a manner that away sotloff was behaving in a much more islamic manner than isis ever had been. I think its also important that the president said that a couple of things that struck me were that first of all, that he talks about a strategy with syria. Now, whats very interesting is that, were actually starting to see some of these regional alliances that hes talked about coming into play. Weve had last night, there were reports that there were turks, the turkish army were fight alongside the kurds. The kurds and the turks have had their problems for a while. Also there was a delegation, a meeting that took place between the saudis and the iranians. And this is interesting because the whole issue, the whole civil war within syria has been supported by qatar, saudi arabia, et cetera. Versus iran who supported assad. So we are starting to see some developments of new regional alliances and i think this is key. If were going to defeat isis if were going to defeat them militarily and in the region that needs to happen. But also as ice saas i said befe have to recognize the hearts and minds of people around the world have to be one. And we certainly have a number of people here in the uk, british muslims and muslims who have come together to combat this. Certainly there are people in the u. S. Like sheikh kabanie and others. The president calling this empty ideology of isis. Youre very right, there are people in the United States and in the uk who will be inspired by the hellish propaganda that has been out with this second murder. How do you confront that . The fact that we what we see as barbaric is inspiring to other people . I think its inspiring for a very small number of people. If we look at why the foreign fighters and why people are fighting for isis, they actually believe that it is their political duty to fight for the state. And it is their theological duty under jihadi mentality that god wants them to do that. Of course, these videos, the timing of these videos is very important. Theres been some chatter that this video was actually leaked prematurely, i suspect they may well have wanted to release this video today because of, obviously, the nato conference. So youre right that some people will be inspired but its a small minority. We have to combat these people from a media perspective first of all, i want to congratulate Mainstream Media for not showing this video. For not giving the video some of the air time that previous videos have had. And secondly, its up to our society, as a whole, to combat these ideas. We have to stop people from going out there, from the west to fight. One of the things that was interesting was, according to the latest figures, half of isis fighters are foreign fighters. So we have to stop people from going out there. We have to identify who these people are. And then we have to tackle their ideology and counsel the narrative. In many cases if not all of them, mentor them back into a state where they fit back into society. Its interesting to me, when the president spoke about whats been done against isis it was specific to iraq. He talked about protecting iraq to help. And he seemed reluctant to talk about how he was going to take on isis inside syria. He only spoke about it in regional terms. Can you defeat and roll back isis without taking them on inside syria . The answer to that question is no. Unless president obama and the allies come up with a solution on how were going to deal with the issue in syria, because lets not forget, because the tactics that isis are using now, especially with the kurds come down from the north and damas s damascus or baghdad actually coming up from the south is that theyre retreating back into syria and launching offensive from syria itself, obviously from raqqa. And president obama and David Cameron have been supporting the iraqi army in trying to overthrow them. Thats the first. The second consideration is that we have iran, iran is backing syria. One of the things we dont have, it seems to be little appetite to actually invoke iran into a wider conflict in the region in hezbollah, certainly, have their capabilities. And the third aspect is we have countries like russia and china that also have interests within syria. And certainly elsewhere with the u. S. And its allies going into the region. So i think theres a lot of diplomacy that needs to take place before the syrian problem can be resolved. And i think thats whats being done right now. Its this whole the enemy is my enemy is my friend. In the middle east, menmys have been enemies for centuries. Sometimes, its so complicated. That chess board. Whats the u. S. Role in trying get these people together to form these regional efforts to fight isis or should u. S. Not be center stage here . Well, i think u. S. Has a humanitarian duty to be center stage. If we are if president obama is the leader of the free world as it were, he has a duty to protect or help to protect innocent minorities like the yazidis, sunni muslims killed by isis, shias, et cetera. But not necessarily putting boots on the ground. I think the local regional alliances he talks about are key. And some of these alliances i think may well be short term. If you look at the theology, the caliphate theology that underpins the theology, that has been at odds with the rest, never mind the key enemies, the shias and vice versa. I think it will be short term. But i think they all recognize that if they dont combat this phenomenon that is isis now, potentially isis could grow into something that has a base and were talking about this region as being the sponsor of terrorism around the world. So i think its important that u. S. Plays a part. Its important that britain plays a part. And its also important that regional partners play a part now before isis becomes a regional force. Harris rafiq thank you. Covering the president s trip to europe new day has all the developments right after the break. Veggies youre cool. Reworking the menu. Mayo, corn dogs. You are so out of here ahh. The complete balanced nutrition of great tasting ensure. 24 vitamins and minerals. 9 grams of protein. With 30 less sugars than before. Ensure, your 1 dr. Recommended brand now introduces ensure active. Muscle health. Clear protein drink and high protein. Targeted nutrition to feed your active life. Ensure. Take life in. We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us. Breaking news. We will not be intimidated. President obama speaking out for the first time after another american is beheaded by isis. Hundreds more u. S. Troops sent into baghdad. This morning the strategy to battle isis. Also breaking, the white house says the execution video of Steven Sotloff is real. New clues this morning from the tape. Who is the executioner, and when exactly was the video made . Ceasefire breaking this morning. Ukraine says they and their president with Vladimir Putin have reached a deal with permanent ceasefire. Russia says thats not the case. Whats going on . Were live with the latest. Your new day starts right now. This is new day with chris cuomo, kate balduan and michaela pereira. Good morning, welcome to new day. Its wednesday, september 3rd, 6 00 in the east. Breaking news. Two major crises developing overseas. President obama is vowing justice after isis murders another american journalist. The president how has to tell us what that will mean. The government did confirm overnight the video showcasing the cowardly beheading of another american Steven Sotloff. They say it is authentic. The president made clear that killing sotloff and james foley will bring major consequences for the cowards who committed these crimes. Overnight our government determined that tragically steven was taken from us in an hon isk act of violence. Whatever these murderers think they will achieve by killing innocent americans by steven, they have already failed. They failed because, like people around the world, americans are repulsed by their barberism. We will not be intimidated, and their horrific acts only unite us as a country an stitch our resolve to take the fight against these terrorists. And those who make the mistake of harming americans will learn we will not forget that our reach is long and that justice will be served. Strong words from the president there. Also though, conflicting reports this morning about a possible ceasefire in ukraine. President petro
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