World News

President Bush: Good Will Prevail

Written by Joshua Smith - 13th September, 2001

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In an impassioned address to the world, President Bush has outlined in general terms America's understanding of the scope of this attack, and its resolve to respond with equal measure against those responsible for the atrocity.

Mr Bush has billed the conflict as a monumental struggle of Good versus Evil, and has in round-about terms declared war against an as-yet-unknown and unconfirmed enemy.

The determination of his address has led to the withdrawal of diplomatic and foreign civilian persons from Afghanistan, which is believed to be the most likely target of any initial response. Unfortunately, the two Australians who are being held captive by the Afghan government on charges of preaching Christianity were obviously unable to escape the area, since negotiations to have them deported to Australia were not yet complete.

America's allies composing the NATO and ANZUS alliances have backed the President's decision, and it's highly likely that Clause 5 of the NATO agreement will be invoked for the first time in the organisation's history. This is an all-for-one, one-for-all agreement stating that an act of aggression made against one member of the union will be construed as an act of agression against all members, and all member nations will thus support the United States in any military or intelligence operations that result in retaliation for the incident.

Following is the full transcript of George W Bush's firm address after meeting with his national security team:

10:53 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: I have just completed a meeting with my national security team, and we have received the latest intelligence updates.

The deliberate and deadly attacks which were carried out yesterday against our country were more than acts of terror. They were acts of war. This will require our country to unite in steadfast determination and resolve. Freedom and democracy are under attack.

The American people need to know that we're facing a different enemy than we have ever faced. This enemy hides in shadows, and has no regard for human life. This is an enemy who preys on innocent and unsuspecting people, then runs for cover. But it won't be able to run for cover forever. This is an enemy that tries to hide. But it won't be able to hide forever. This is an enemy that thinks its harbors are safe. But they won't be safe forever.

This enemy attacked not just our people, but all freedom-loving people everywhere in the world. The United States of America will use all our resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient, we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination.

This battle will take time and resolve. But make no mistake about it: we will win.

The federal government and all our agencies are conducting business. But it is not business as usual. We are operating on a heightened security alert. America is going forward, and as we do so, we must remain keenly aware of the threats to our country. Those in authority should take appropriate precautions to protect our citizens.

But we will not allow this enemy to win the war by changing our way of life or restricting our freedoms. This morning, I am sending to Congress a request for emergency funding authority, so that we are prepared to spend whatever it takes to rescue victims, to help the citizens of New York City and Washington, D.C. respond to this tragedy, and to protect our national security.

I want to thank the members of Congress for their unity and support. America is united. The freedom-loving nations of the world stand by our side. This will be a monumental struggle of good versus evil. But good will prevail.

Thank you very much.