Against the United States. [applause] as i have always made clear, the blows we have struck against al qaedas leadership dont mean the end to the terrorist threat. Al qaeda affiliates still target our homeland. We have seen that in yemen. Other extremists threaten our citizens abroad, as we have seen most recently in iraq and syria. As commanderinchief, the security of the American People is my highest priority, and that is why with the brutal terrorist group isil advancing in iraq, i have authorized targeted strikes to protect our diplomats and military advisors who are there. Let me say it again [applause] american combat troops will not be returning to fight in iraq, will not allow the United States to be dragged back into another ground war in iraq, is because ultimately it is up to the iraqis to bridge their differences and secure themselves. [applause] the limited strikes we are conducting have the necessary to protect our people, and that helped iraqi forces pushed back these te