Obama says terrorist networks such as al-Qaeda greatest threat facing US, must be snuffed out

Associated Press

Last update: November 16, 2009 - 12:09 AM

SHANGHAI - President Barack Obama is telling Chinese students that the greatest threat to the United States' security is terrorist networks such as al-Qaeda.

Obama on Monday met with students in Shanghai and said al-Qaeda has crossed from Afghanistan into Pakistan and is in contact with other organizations. Obama says the United States must stabilize that part of the world and reduce the power of extremist networks.

Obama says the groups are small in number but are dangerous because they have no conscience. Obama says terrorist organizations armed with nuclear or biological weapons could kill hundreds of thousands of people with just a few individuals.

Obama says the United States is trying to give civilians greater hope and limit the influence of leaders like Osama bin Laden.

Recent World stories

Dozens of asylum seekers injured in Australian immigration detention center riot - November 16, 2009

Dozens of asylum seekers injured in Australian immigration detention center riot - Sri Lankan and Afghan asylum seekers were separated at an island immigration detention center after a riot left 37 injured, an official said Monday. More