http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2014/09/24/obama-united-nations-general-assembly-syria-iraq-islamic-state/16143767/

1.) He tried to make the point that our future is in stake. That we need to better ourselves, in peace.
2.) I'm not sure how affective he was. He may have brought some attention to this subject, but I think it will be a lot more affective as a long term affect.