President Barack Obama addressed the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday morning just days after the United States and Arab partners launched airstrikes in Syria and Iraq.
He spoke on many topics including tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and even the civil unrest in Ferguson, Missouri.
Many of his comments were addressed to young people throughout the world calling on them to maintain the tradition of education and to reject terrorism and bigotry.
“If young people live under the dictates of a state or of the extremist underground, then democracy won’t succeed,” Obama said.
The president also called for leadership to resolve the dispute between Palestine and Israel, saying “it cannot be used as a distraction from dealings at home.”
Obama said he welcomed scrutiny from the international community, while the United States is making efforts to address issues within its borders.
“So yes, we have are own racial and ethnic tensions,” he said. “America is not the same as it was 100 years ago, or 50 years ago or even a decade ago.”
Obama concluded his speech encouraging world leaders and youth alike to work toward resolving tensions while pursuing peace.
“I ask that you join us in the common mission for today’s children and tomorrow’s.”
Story reported by: Lorena Arbe Eichhorn, Megan Bennett, Diamond Brown, Jake Ecker, Ashley Feuillan, Preston hau, Cristina Hurst, Jaclyn Jermyn, Jennifer Jones, Beyza Ozer, Joshua Short, Bianca Smith, Rana Tuggle, and Lauren Tussey.