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| Bush: "They're either with the terrorists, or they're with us" |
| 2001-10-09 |
WASHINGTON — White House officials gave a name Monday to the rules of engagement driving the U.S. war on terrorism — the "Bush Doctrine." The policy makes any nation or group that tolerates terrorists a potential target. As the second day of U.S.-led airstrikes hit targets in Afghanistan, administration officials said the results sought by Washington involve more than Osama bin Laden, his followers and the Taliban government in Kabul. They said their words were designed as a warning to other nations that they should not allow bin Laden or members of his terrorist network to take refuge within their borders as the attacks in Afghanistan escalate. "The mission is defined by the adversary in some ways," said Karen Hughes, White House counselor to the president, in defining the administration's policy. "A country that harbors terrorists will either deliver the terrorists or share in their fate. ... People have to choose sides. They are either with the terrorists, or they're with us." As officials in Washington were explaining the policy, John Negroponte, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, sent a letter to the members of the 15-member Security Council driving home the same point. "We may find that our self-defense requires further actions with respect to other organizations and other states," he said. |
| Posted by:Fred Pruitt |