From NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh.President Obama has delivered a national security speech at a time through disruptions from a member of the audience of the National Defense University today.Obama spoke extensively about drone strikes.NPR's Scott Horsley reports the president says the US must be careful, not to abuse its power as it confronts an evolving threat from terrorists around the world.President Obama says drone strikes are both legal and effective.But under guidelines he signed this week,the US will limit its use of the strikes outside Afghanistan to cases where al-Qaeda or its affiliates pose an imminent threat to Americans and where there is little or no danger to civilians.The president also promised to resume the transfer of prisoners out of Guantanamo, asking Congress for help.There is just no justification beyond politics for Congress to prevent us from closing a facility that should never have been opened.The president also said the US must address the underlying grievances that fuel terrorism through diplomacy and resources.Scott Horsley, NPR News, the White House.GOP lawmakers are reacting to the president's speech,including Senator John McCain who takes issues with Obama's contention that al-Qaeda is on the run.To somehow argue that al-Qaeda is quote on the run comes from a degree of unreality that to me is really incredible.Meanwhile, the US is closely monitoring developments in Britain a day after a brutal attack in east London.
