Our strategy is also shaped by a deeper understanding of al-Qa'ida's goals, strategy, and tactics. I'm not talking about al-Qa'ida's grandiose vision of global domination through a violent Islamic caliphate. That vision is absurd, and we are not going to organize our counterterrorism policies against a feckless delusion that is never going to happen. We are not going to elevate these thugs and their murderous aspirations into something larger than they are.

Remarks to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on Ensuring al-Qa'ida's Demise

Remarks of John O. Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, on Ensuring al-Qa'ida's Demise[obamawhitehouse.archives.gov]