DATE=05/04/2002

TYPE=EDITORIAL

NUMBER=0-09863

TITLE=EDITORIAL: AMERICA'S CHALLENGE

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 has accepted a great challenge: to wage a relentless and systematic campaign against global terrorism. As President George W. Bush said, "We are in for a long and difficult war. It will be conducted on many fronts. But as long as it takes, we will prevail."

In the first phase of the military operation, the U.S.-led coalition helped Afghan forces liberate the people of Afghanistan from the oppressive Taleban regime. The al-Qaida terrorists are responsible for the deadly attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. They made their home in Afghanistan. They are now dead, in custody, or scattered.

Afghan children are back in school. Roads are being repaired. An international force provides security in Kabul. And work is underway to form a stable government that represents the people of Afghanistan. U.S. efforts are not over. The U.S. will continue to help the Afghan people rebuild their country. The U.S. is the leading provider of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

The U.S.-led coalition has entered the next phase of the war on terrorism. That phase will rout out terrorists in other countries and deny al-Qaida the chance to regroup and kill other innocent people. As President Bush said, "Across the world, governments have heard this message: you're either with us, or you're with the terrorists."

The U.S. is also committed to confronting the great threat of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorists or hostile regimes. The U.S. will not allow the world's most dangerous regimes to threaten the U.S., its friends, or allies with the world's most destructive weapons.

"History," said Mr. Bush, "has called us to these responsibilities, and we accept them." Tyranny and terror and lawless violence will not decide the world's future.

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.