01/13/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09642

WOLFOWITZ ON THE WAR ON TERROR

According to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz, after Afghanistan, the war on terrorism could focus on denying terrorist groups sanctuary in countries like Somalia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Somalia, said Mr. Wolfowitz, poses a threat because it is a lawless state where terrorists are free to operate. The United States has identified Al-Itihaad al-Islamiya, based in Somalia, as a terrorist organization with ties to al-Qaida. The U.S. has also shut down al-Barakaat, a money transfer company, and Somalia Internet for funneling money to al-Qaida. And reconnaissance flights off the Somalia coast have been stepped up.

The Philippines is faced with a Muslim extremist uprising by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been linked to al-Qaida. The government has been fighting these terrorists on Basilan Island in the southern part of the Philippines. The U.S. has begun training Philippines forces in counterterrorism and special operations. As Mr. Wolfowitz said, "There’s no question that we believe that if they could clear the Abu Sayyaf group out of Basilan Island, that would be a blow against the extended al-Qaida network."

In Indonesia, Islamic extremists have fought with Christians on Sulawesi Island and in Maluku Province. As Mr. Wolfowitz said, there is "potential for Muslim extremists and terrorists to link up with those Muslim groups in Indonesia and find a little corner for themselves in a country that is otherwise quite unfriendly to terrorism." The U.S. is prepared to provide assistance in order to prevent this from happening.

America’s air campaign in Afghanistan has already induced many countries to cease their support for terrorism. But not Iraq. Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein "is keeping his head down these days," Mr. Wolfowitz said. Iraq gives financial support and safe haven to a number of terrorist groups. One, the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, uses terrorism in its effort to overthrow the Iranian government. Moreover, Iraq is seeking to develop nuclear and biological weapons.

As President George W. Bush said, "If anybody harbors a terrorist, they’re a terrorist. If they fund a terrorist, they’re a terrorist. . . . If they develop weapons of mass destruction that will be used to terrorize nations, they will be held accountable."