U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a speech this week that the nation's long-term defense strategy must take a broad and flexible approach to keep up with current and emerging threats worldwide.
Carter made the speech at the World Affairs Council's Annual Honors Global Education Gala in Washington.
Carter said the nation must be prepared to face five ongoing challenges: Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), plus the terrorist groups emanating from and inspired by the group.
“We don't have the luxury of choice among these,” he said.” We have to do them all.”
Carter sees progress being made against the terrorist state.
"We're bringing more and more power to bear against ISIL,” Carter said. “We're systematically eliminating (ISIL’s) Cabinet, killing their financial chief and eliminating their minister of war just in the last two weeks.”
The gala's attendees came from all walks of life from around the world, from wounded troops, teachers, nonprofit CEOs and ambassadors from over 75 nations.
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