Shortly after the terrorist attacks on the United States last Sept. 11, President Bush said the war against terrorism would be long and result in the loss of American lives.
Six months later, actions around the world reinforce that statement.
Despite the lack of successful terrorist attacks against the United States and U.S. interests during that time frame, the commitment of the al-Qaida terrorist network and its supporters to create chaos throughout the world is apparent.
Not only have numerous plots been uncovered, but fierce fighting in Afghanistan continues. Al-Qaida and Taliban fighters are regrouping in parts of eastern Afghanistan and are urging their followers to wage a holy war against U.S. forces. Nine American soldiers were killed over the weekend — eight when two helicopters took enemy fire.
Americans are giving their lives so that not only the United States but the rest of the world will be free of terrorism.
There can be no half measures. Those who kill thousands of civilians without any remorse — as was the case at the World Trade Center in New York — cannot be allowed to plot and carry out similar acts.
The thought of allowing terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden and those like him to one day acquire nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is terrifying. As has already been demonstrated, they would use them to kill as many Americans as possible anywhere.
That is why bin Laden, if he is still alive, and his followers must be hunted down. If they are able to escape Afghanistan, they must not be allowed to set up their headquarters elsewhere.
No government or country must be allowed to harbor the likes of bin Laden and his al-Qaida terrorist network. Those that do must swiftly be held accountable for their actions.
President Bush was right when he said after the horror of Sept. 11 that there will be no distinction between the terrorists and those who harbor them. That is why the U.S.-led coalition toppled the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The Taliban not only harbored bin Laden and his associates but supported their actions.
Other nations need to join the United States in fighting terrorism. Like cancer, terrorism cannot be allowed to spread. The terrorists must be cut out and isolated wherever they are. The alternative is catastrophe — not only for the United States but for the world.