01/26/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09668

BUSH ON TERRORISM

It’s been four and a half months since the terrorist attacks on the United States. "One thing is for certain," said President George W. Bush, "this great nation has risen to the challenge. One of the most brutal and repressive regimes ever, the Taleban, is now out of business."

The al-Qaida terrorist network made Afghanistan its home. Now, many of its members have either been captured, or are in hiding. The American-led coalition has destroyed their bunkers, their buildings, and their cave complexes. "The global network of terrorists," said Mr. Bush, "has seen the first glimpse of their fate." They can run but they can’t hide. They will be found and brought to justice, however long it takes.

The coalition’s success is already apparent. America has helped organize a new government in Afghanistan. America has sent food and medical supplies and has joined with other nations to help rebuild Afghanistan.

While the fight against terrorism may have begun in Afghanistan, it’s not going to end there. "Whatever it takes," said President Bush, "whatever it costs, this patient. . .resolved nation will win the first war of the twenty-first century."

The American people are on guard against future terrorist attacks. They know they are fighting for the values of civilization. And the terrorists who targeted America are learning something as well -- they picked the wrong enemy.

To fight this war, the U-S will invest in more precision weapons, in missile defenses, in unmanned vehicles, in high-tech equipment for soldiers on the ground. The costs may be high. But to win the war against terrorism, they are essential.

Dangers and sacrifices lie ahead. But America will not rest until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, has been stopped, and has been defeated.

The U-S has what President Bush described as "a special responsibility to defend freedom." It is a responsibility that the American people -- their government and their military -- gladly accept.