An Evil, Despicable Act
By Dr. David Currie

President Bush described yesterday's tragic events as "an evil, despicable act of terror that has filled us with disbelief... but with a quiet, unyielding anger. Terrorist acts can shake the foundation of our biggest buildings, but they cannot shake the foundations of America." The President vowed to "hunt down and punish those responsible." He made it clear that there is no distinction between those who carry out terrorist acts and those who harbor terrorists. Bush stated that America has been attacked because it is viewed as a "beacon of freedom." Following his speech to the American people Tuesday night, President Bush convened a meeting of the National Security Council in Washington. Earlier yesterday, Presidential Councilor, Karen Hughes, stated that no one should doubt the President's resolve to use all available resources to bring the guilty to justice.

While hundreds, if not thousands, of law enforcement agents worked to unravel the dreadful puzzle, two themes were becoming clear. First, evidence implicates Osama Bin Laden in this unprecedented act of terrorism against United States. Second, leaders of every civilized nation are behind America and President Bush, ready to eliminate terrorism from the face of the earth. Bin Laden likely counted on a complacent response from America. But based on world-wide support, and non-partisan support for Bush in America, Bin Laden may have miscalculated. Some statesmen are suggesting that the time is right to apply military and economic pressures against Afghanistan to force the surrender of Bin Laden by the Taliban. The Taliban, ruling party of Afghanistan, have long provided safe haven to Bin Laden. Bin Laden may also have received support from the Sudan and Libya.

Former House Speaker, Newt Gingrich, spoke of the growing sense that Bin Laden is guilty. Gingrich labeled the terrorist act, "a direct act of war against the United States." Former Secretary of State, James Baker, described yesterday's events as a "very dastardly and cowardly act." Both Baker and Senator Bob Graham, of the Senate Intelligence Committee, indicated that only a handful of terrorist groups have the support to carry off this type of act, making it easier to identify those responsible. Afghanistan figures prominently in nearly everyone's short list of countries providing safe haven for Bin Laden's terrorist stronghold.

Former NATO Supreme Commander, General Wesley Clark described the level of planning involved in yesterday's atrocities. He characterized the U.S. as uniquely vulnerable to terrorism, and re-emphasized that no state should be allowed to sponsor acts of international terrorism. Former US envoy Richard Holbrook described himself as heartbroken over yesterday's events. He pleaded with the modern Arab nations to join an international coalition to rid the world of terrorism. He then made it clear that those who don't join the coalition against terrorism will be seen as joining the ranks of international terrorism, an act of war against America. House of Representatives Majority Leader, Dick Army, referred to the inhuman, insane, horrible criminal act. He promised, that with the cooperation of all civilized nations, those guilty of this premeditated, international crime will be brought to justice. He said that, "democracy might be scarred, but it will not be shut down."

Nations worldwide sent condolences to America, together with messages supporting strong anti-terrorist action. Former Israeli prime minister, Shimon Peres, went so far as to say that America is the only nation which can save the world from terrorism. Israel's current Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, called for an international fight against the forces of darkness and evil and declared September 12th an official day of mourning. Yassar Arafat, visibly shaken, described yesterday's events as, "Unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable." Tony Blair, of the United Kingdom, and Vladimir Putin, of Russia, expressed similar sentiments, Blair calling for a battle against terrorism by the free world and Putin calling upon all nations to pool resources to eradicate terrorism. French President, Jacques Chirac, promised that France will fight terrorism in every manner possible. German Chancellor, Gerhard Schröder and EU President, Guy Verhofstadt, joined other leaders in a unified European stance against terrorism. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the UN said that terrorism must be fought resolutely wherever it appears. He stated, "No just cause can be advanced by terror."

In America, the message repeated by leaders across the country last night was that Americans will hold accountable not only those who performed these terrorist attacks, but any government that provides them financial assistance or a base of operations. Americans are calling this day a day of infamy to rival the attack on Pearl Harbor. Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger suggested that whoever perpetrated this act was very capable, with lots of resources, and a safe haven to do their planning. He pointed out that the freedoms we enjoy make America susceptible to such attacks. Former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn said that, for the past 25 years, most terrorist acts have been thwarted by American intelligence services, but it is because we are the most open country in the world that we are vulnerable to such attacks. Kissinger said, "We have to protect ourselves and I'm sure we will. It cannot be dealt with by one retaliatory blow, it requires a systematic attack against terrorism."

Senator Hillary Clinton made it clear that all Americans support the retaliation that will be necessary. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright claimed that American military might will make it possible to respond at a place and time of America's own choosing. Jim Gilmore, Governor of Virginia, flatly stated that people who think they will attack United States and sway us from our goals for freedom and peace are wrong. People are outraged and Americans will rally in this time of great tragedy. Former Secretary of State, George Schultz, also emphasized the need for United States to go after any country which provides a safe haven to terrorists. Congressman Chris Cox of California expressed everyone's sentiments, saying that, "Civilization has a right to protect itself."