Keep core values in fight against terrorism

French authorities are trying to determine whether a Tunisian acted alone Thursday by driving a truck into Bastille Day crowds, killing at least 84 people and injuring many others in Nice, France. Meanwhile, U.S. and other world leaders need to regroup to devise a better strategy to protect the public.

Authorities haven’t determined whether the 31-year-old driver acted alone, was part of the Islamic State or a lone assailant who sympathized with that radical group. He was shot to death by officers at the scene.

What matters most now is the resolve of France, the United States and their allies in combating the Islamic State militants and acts of terrorism whether in France, Belgium, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, Turkey or the U.S.

The nations in this fight have to share more intelligence data to prevent such violence.

But countries that stand with the United States in the struggle also must not surrender the principles that set them apart from the Islamic State.

President Barack Obama outlined the correct priorities on Friday, saying, “We will win this fight by staying true to our values — values of pluralism and rule of law and diversity and freedoms, like the freedom of religion, freedom of speech and assembly. … We cannot give in to fear, or turn on each other, or sacrifice our way of life. We cannot let ourselves be divided by religion — because that’s exactly what the terrorists want.”

No nation can afford to surrender to the whims and brutality of terrorists. But more steps must be taken to ensure the safety of all people.

This story was originally published July 15, 2016 at 6:35 PM with the headline "Keep core values in fight against terrorism."