THE
PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. On my orders, the United States military
has begun strikes against al Qaeda terrorist training camps and military
installations of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. These carefully
targeted actions are designed to disrupt the use of Afghanistan as a
terrorist base of operations, and to attack the military capability of
the Taliban regime.
We are joined in this operation by our staunch friend, Great
Britain. Other close friends, including Canada, Australia, Germany and
France, have pledged forces as the operation unfolds. More than 40
countries in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and across Asia have
granted air transit or landing rights. Many more have shared
intelligence. We are supported by the collective will of the world.
More than two weeks ago, I gave Taliban leaders a series of
clear and specific demands: Close terrorist training camps; hand over
leaders of the al Qaeda network; and return all foreign nationals,
including American citizens, unjustly detained in your country. None of
these demands were met. And now the Taliban will pay a price. By
destroying camps and disrupting communications, we will make it more
difficult for the terror network to train new recruits and coordinate
their evil plans.
Initially, the terrorists may burrow deeper into caves and other
entrenched hiding places. Our military action is also designed to clear
the way for sustained, comprehensive and relentless operations to drive
them out and bring them to justice.
At the same time, the oppressed people of Afghanistan will know
the generosity of America and our allies. As we strike military
targets, we'll also drop food, medicine and supplies to the starving and
suffering men and women and children of Afghanistan.
The United States of America is a friend to the Afghan people,
and we are the friends of almost a billion worldwide who practice the
Islamic faith. The United States of America is an enemy of those who
aid terrorists and of the barbaric criminals who profane a great
religion by committing murder in its name.
This military action is a part of our campaign against
terrorism, another front in a war that has already been joined through
diplomacy, intelligence, the freezing of financial assets and the
arrests of known terrorists by law enforcement agents in 38
countries. Given the nature and reach of our enemies, we will win this
conflict by the patient accumulation of successes, by meeting a series
of challenges with determination and will and purpose.
Today we focus on Afghanistan, but the battle is broader. Every
nation has a choice to make. In this conflict, there is no neutral
ground. If any government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocents,
they have become outlaws and murderers, themselves. And they will take
that lonely path at their own peril.
I'm speaking to you today from the Treaty Room of the White
House, a place where American Presidents have worked for peace. We're a
peaceful nation. Yet, as we have learned, so suddenly and so
tragically, there can be no peace in a world of sudden terror. In the
face of today's new threat, the only way to pursue peace is to pursue
those who threaten it.
We did not ask for this mission, but we will fulfill it. The
name of today's military operation is Enduring Freedom. We defend not
only our precious freedoms, but also the freedom of people everywhere to
live and raise their children free from fear.
I know many Americans feel fear today. And our government is
taking strong precautions. All law enforcement and intelligence
agencies are working aggressively around America, around the world and
around the clock. At my request, many governors have activated the
National Guard to strengthen airport security. We have called up
Reserves to reinforce our military capability and strengthen the
protection of our homeland.
In the months ahead, our patience will be one of our strengths
-- patience with the long waits that will result from tighter security;
patience and understanding that it will take time to achieve our goals;
patience in all the sacrifices that may come.
Today, those sacrifices are being made by members of our Armed
Forces who now defend us so far from home, and by their proud and
worried families. A Commander-in-Chief sends America's sons and
daughters into a battle in a foreign land only after the greatest care
and a lot of prayer. We ask a lot of those who wear our uniform. We ask
them to leave their loved ones, to travel great distances, to risk
injury, even to be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice of their
lives. They are dedicated, they are honorable; they represent the best
of our country. And we are grateful.
To all the men and women in our military -- every sailor, every
soldier, every airman, every coastguardsman, every Marine -- I say
this: Your mission is defined; your objectives are clear; your goal is
just. You have my full confidence, and you will have every tool you
need to carry out your duty.
I recently received a touching letter that says a lot about the
state of America in these difficult times -- a letter from a 4th-grade
girl, with a father in the military: "As much as I don't want my Dad to
fight," she wrote, "I'm willing to give him to you."
This is a precious gift, the greatest she could give. This
young girl knows what America is all about. Since September 11, an
entire generation of young Americans has gained new understanding of the
value of freedom, and its cost in duty and in sacrifice.
The battle is now joined on many fronts. We will not waver; we
will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail. Peace and
freedom will prevail.
Thank you. May God continue to bless America.