DATE=04/15/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09824

TITLE=EDITORIAL: FACING TERRORISM

INTERNET=Yes

CONTENT=THIS EDITORIAL IS BEING RELEASED FOR USE BY ALL SERVICES.

Anncr: Next, an editorial expressing the policies of the United States Government:

Voice: The United States will do whatever it takes to defend freedom. The terrorists found that out when they attacked the U-S on September 11th. A U.S.-led coalition responded quickly. The al-Qaida terrorists who launched the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were either killed, captured, or are in hiding. "They are cold-blooded killers," said President George W. Bush, "and the United States will hunt them down one by one, and bring them to justice."

The Taleban regime that gave sanctuary to the terrorists has been removed. As President Bush said, "If you're going to harbor a terrorist, or feed a terrorist, or think you can hide a terrorist, you're just as guilty as the ones who came and murdered innocent Americans, and we're going to hold you accountable."

Thanks to the U.S.-led coalition, the people of Afghanistan are now free from one of the most repressive regimes in history. Afghanistan is being rebuilt, a new national army is being trained, and Afghan boys and girls are back in school. As President Bush put it, "Not only are we steadfast in our desire to defend that which we believe, we also are willing to commit resources to free a nation." The U.S. remains the world's leading contributor of foreign aid to Afghanistan.

The U.S. is patient. President Bush said, "We have been called into action...history has given us a chance to lead." And "we now understand that history's call is to lead our vast coalition against terrorists and to defend freedom, no matter what the cost."

The best defense is to find the enemy wherever he hides. The U.S. military is doing that in Afghanistan. American advisers are assisting anti-terrorism efforts in other nations as well. This includes providing training to security forces in Yemen, the Philippines, and Georgia.

By remaining "strong in the face of terror," said Mr. Bush, "we can lead the world to peace."

Anncr: That was an editorial expressing the policies of the United States Government. If you have a comment, please write to Editorials, V-O-A, Washington, D-C, 20237, U-S-A. You may also comment at www-dot-ibb-dot-gov-slash-editorials, or fax us at (202) 619-1043.