Cameron and Obama: 'We will defeat extremists'

Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama have vowed a united front against the threat posed by Islamist extremists and their "distorted ideology."

In a joint opinion article that appeared in Times, Cameron and Obama outlined the principles of the US-British alliance ahead of two days of White House meetings.

The two leaders are to have a working dinner on Thursday night and hold more talks on Friday.

Obama and Cameron, noting the Paris attacks last week against a satirical newspaper, said extremists would not muzzle freedom of speech.

"Whether we are facing lone fanatics or terrorist organisations such as al-Qaeda, Islamic State or Boko Haram, we will not be cowed by extremists. We will defeat these barbaric killers and their distorted ideology," the leaders wrote.

Obama and Cameron were also firm in their resolve to stand up against Russia's aggression in Ukraine. They pledged to maintain diplomatic pressure on Moscow.

The United States and Europe have imposed a variety of sanctions against Russia in retaliation.

"If we allow such fundamental breaches of international law to go unchecked, we will all suffer from the instability that would follow. Our strong and united response has sent an unmistakable message that the international community will not stand by as Russia attempts to destabilise Ukraine," they wrote.

related articles
West must open its eyes to reality facing Middle East Christians
West must open its eyes to reality facing Middle East Christians

West must open its eyes to reality facing Middle East Christians

Iraq crisis: Muslims will suffer just as much as Christians
Iraq crisis: Muslims will suffer just as much as Christians

Iraq crisis: Muslims will suffer just as much as Christians

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says tensions between US and Russia are \'extremely dangerous\', calls for summit
Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says tensions between US and Russia are 'extremely dangerous', calls for summit

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev says tensions between US and Russia are 'extremely dangerous', calls for summit

Ukrainian separatists attack government forces despite ceasefire
Ukrainian separatists attack government forces despite ceasefire

Ukrainian separatists attack government forces despite ceasefire

Islamist extremists hack Yorkshire church and school websites

Islamist extremists hack Yorkshire church and school websites

Islamic State must be wiped out - French defence minister
Islamic State must be wiped out - French defence minister

Islamic State must be wiped out - French defence minister

Fox News host criticised for terrorist rant: \'We need to kill them all\'
Fox News host criticised for terrorist rant: 'We need to kill them all'

Fox News host criticised for terrorist rant: 'We need to kill them all'

News
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame
Over 320,000 people sign petition opposing Macron's '21st century mark' on Notre-Dame

Over 323,000 people have signed a petition in opposition to new stained-glass window designs for Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God
Nicki Minaj says she has rekindled her relationship with God

Rapper Nicki Minaj opened up about her recently reignited relationship with God and what inspired her to speak out for persecuted Christians, suggesting that her rise in the music industry made it more challenging to maintain the spirituality of her youth. 

Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events
Legal action launched challenge to civil service participation in LGBT Pride events

The Christian Institute has initiated legal proceedings against Keir Starmer in a bid to end civil service participation in controversial Pride marches. 

National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches
National Lottery Heritage Fund awards £7.3m to historic churches

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded more than £7.3 million to help maintain four historic churches.