01/27/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09670
NO COMPLACENCY IN THE TERROR WAR
The events of September 11th changed the way the world views and responds to terrorism. As President George W. Bush said, "The civilized world. . .understands that if this terror goes unpunished, their own cities, their own citizens, may be next."
In the wake of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, much of the world has rallied to support the campaign against terrorism. Many nations, including many Islamic countries, understand that Osama bin Laden and his al-Qaida network, the group responsible for the terror attacks, are cold-blooded murderers who are unfaithful to Islam.
In Afghanistan, the Al-Qaida terror network and its Taleban sponsors have been routed. But this is only the first of many battles. Despite the early successes, no nation can afford to be complacent about terrorism. In the words of U.S. deputy representative to the United Nations, Ambassador James Cunningham, "We must be clear about the threat and the response. To achieve this victory will take time. And after September 11th, inadequate counter-terrorist programs and infrastructures cannot be tolerated."
It is up to any nation that now does to stop sheltering or assisting terrorist groups. U-N Security Council Resolution 1373 spells out the obligation of every nation to ensure that those who participate in the financing, planning, or carrying out of terrorist attacks are brought to justice. Countries must deny safe haven to anyone financing or committing a terrorist act. Countries must ban political, military, and financial support to people and groups that are suspected of terrorist activity.
Some countries need material and technical assistance to improve their counter-terrorism capabilities. And the U.S. is willing to provide troops to other countries to fight terrorism on their own soil. "If a nation comes to us and says, 'We want some help,’ said President Bush, "we'll get it done."
The U.S. will hold any states that promote or protect terrorists fully accountable for their actions. As President Bush said, "Any
nation that continues to harbor or support terrorism will be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime. Every nation in every region has a decision to make. Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists."