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7 oktober 2001
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.
END
1:07 P.M, EDT
  
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