 |
|
|
|
|
| On Sunday, October 7th, the United States commenced
military air strikes against the military and terrorist assets of Osama
bin Laden's Al Qaeda network and the Taliban regime that supports them
in Afghanistan. While it is regrettable that our military has been forced
to undertake the attacks, I strongly support these actions and was pleased
to see that our forces were joined by a broad coalition of international
partners who share in our fight against terrorism.
The Taliban regime - which has been harboring bin Laden and his terrorists - has had ample opportunity to cooperate with the international coalition by handing over bin Laden. They have refused to do so, and the attacks are in direct response to that refusal. It is critical that Americans understand that these attacks are part of the much larger and longer campaign against terrorism. This battle will take place on many fronts, both at home and abroad, and will bring to bear numerous tools, skills and weapons of our nation. We will freeze the terrorists' financial assets, disrupt their communications and destroy their ability to further harm innocents throughout the world. I appreciate America's patience and vigilance in this fight. Make no mistake - we will prevail. |
|
|
