DATE=05/17/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09889

TITLE=EDITORIAL: TERRORISM AND FOREIGN POLICY

INTERNET=Yes

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

Anncr: Next, an editorial reflecting the views of the United States Government:

Voice: The United States continues to work closely with friends and allies in the global war against terrorism. The September 11th terrorist attacks on the U.S. illustrated the fundamental divide between the forces of chaos and the civilized world.

Many countries are taking on new responsibilities. Japan has taken unprecedented steps in providing military support, in the form of logistical assistance, to the international campaign against terrorism. Russia's democratic transition is still underway, but Russia has responded positively. As U.S. National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice said, "September 11th has helped to clarify elements of a common security agenda with Russia."

The U.S. is working cooperatively with both India and Pakistan. "There is also a new urgency," said Ms. Rice, "to address our relations with Muslim societies around the world in a positive way. This war in which we are engaged is not a clash of civilizations." As President George W. Bush said, the U.S. will stand with people on every continent, in Muslim societies and in all societies that seek a better future for their people.

"America," said National Security Adviser Rice, "cannot impose its vision on the world. Yet we will use our influence to favor freedom. There are right and wrong choices and there are right and wrong acts." Ms. Rice said, "We must recognize that some states or leaders will choose wrongly. We must recognize that truly evil regimes will never be reformed. And we must recognize that such regimes must be confronted, not coddled."

Governments must decide if they are on the side of civilization or the side of terrorism. President George W. Bush has cited Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, and their terrorist allies, as constituting an axis of evil. He has also called on Syria and other Arab states that promote or support terrorism to desist.

The U.S. is committed to helping people make positive choices as they seek a better future. The U.S. is also committed to deterring those who want to take away a better future for others.

"September 11th," said National Security Adviser Rice, "reintroduced America to a part of itself that some had forgotten, or that some thought we no longer had. We have been reminded that defending freedom...is the work of every generation. And we will carry this better part of ourselves out into the wider world."

Anncr: That was an editorial reflecting the views 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.