The feature on the 9/11 attacks from the Foreign Policy Bulletin. Comprehensive collection of public statements from 9/11 to 12/312001.

1. Feature
September 11, 2001
Terrorist Attack and the
Response by the United States
The September 11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington shocked the world. The attacks and their aftermath
dominated the news during the latter half of 2001. These events were multifaceted, and involved a wide range of
actors—within the Unites States and globally. This feature focuses on a subset of these events and actors—
particularly, those related to diplomatic dialogue and the evolution of U.S. policy on terror following September 11.
Other signficant topics—notably the military campaign in Afghanistan and the relationship of the attacks to long-
standing conflicts in the Middle East region—are covered primarily as they relate to the main theme of the feature.
Similarly, aspects of these events that are primarily domestic in nature are covered only tangentially. These include the
human tragedy of the events, increases in domestic security, the anthrax scare, and changes in American societal
views.
ordered that the full resources of the fed- somehow achieve a political purpose.
eral government go to help the victims They can destroy buildings, they can kill
and their families, and to conduct a full- people, and we will be saddened by this
scale investigation to hunt down and to tragedy; but they will never be allowed to
I. September 11, 2001: find those folks who committed this act. kill the spirit of democracy. They cannot
Terrorism against our nation will not destroy our society. They cannot destroy
The Attack stand. our belief in the democratic way. You can
And now if you would join me in a be sure that America will deal with this
moment of silence. May God bless the tragedy in a way that brings those respon-
victims, their families, and America. sible to justice. You can be sure that as
Thank you very much. terrible a day as this is for us, we will get
through it because we are a strong nation,
a nation that believes in itself. You can be
Remarks by President Bush, Remarks by Secretary of sure that the American spirit will prevail
September 11, 20011 State Powell, September 11, over this tragedy. It is important that I
remain here for a bit longer in order to be
President Bush delivered his remarks at 20012 part of the consensus of this new charter
9:30 A.M. at the Emma E. Booker on democracy. That is the most important
Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida, Secretary Colin Powell delivered his thing I can do before departing to go back
where he had been discussing education. remarks at a meeting of the Organization to Washington, D.C. and attend to the
of American States in Lima, Peru. important business that awaits me and all
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a difficult
moment for America. I, unfortunately, will I also express my thanks to all of my col- my other colleagues in the administration,
be going back to Washington after my leagues for their expressions of condo- and all Americans. I will bring to Presi-
remarks. Secretary Rod Paige and the Lt. lence, and I thank you for the resolution dent Bush your expression of sorrow and
Governor will take the podium and dis- that was passed a few moments ago. A your words of support.
cuss education. I do want to thank the terrible, terrible tragedy has befallen my I thank all of you, and Mr. President, I
folks here at Booker Elementary School nation, but it has befallen all of the hope we can move the order of business to
for their hospitality. nations of this region, all the nations of the adoption of the charter because I very
Today we’ve had a national tragedy. the world, and befallen all those who much want to be here to express the Unit-
Two airplanes have crashed into the World believe in democracy. Once again we see ed States’ commitment to democracy in
Trade Center in an apparent terrorist terrorism, we see terrorists, people who this hemisphere. Terrorism, as was noted,
attack on our country. I have spoken to the don’t believe in democracy, people who is everyone’s problem and there are coun-
Vice President, to the Governor of New believe that with the destruction of build- tries represented here who have been
York, to the Director of the FBI, and have ings, with the murder of people, they can fighting terrorism for years and have seen
2 Winter 2002

2. September 11, 2001
horrible things happen. It is something we
must all unite behind. And we unite
behind it as democratic nations committed
to individual liberties, committed to the
rights of people to live in peace and free-
dom in a way in which they and not ter-
rorists select their leaders or define how
they will be governed.
So I thank you for your expression of
solidarity. I ask, Mr. Chairman, if it would
be at all possible for the resolution to be
moved forward for adoption so that I can
be a part of the consensus.
Remarks by Secretary of
State Powell, September 11,
20013
Secretary Colin Powell delivered his
remarks while en route from Peru to
Washington DC.
Today we’ve had a national tragedy. Two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center in an
Secretary Powell. I know that we all feel apparent terrorist attack on our country. I have spoken to the Vice President, to the Governor of New
a deep sense of loss, a deep sense of sad- York, to the Director of the FBI, and have ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to
ness and outrage at what happened in the help the victims and their families, and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find
United States today, and my heart goes those folks who committed this act.
out to all those who lost their lives and to Terrorism against our nation will not stand.
their families. And, you can be sure that
the United States Government will do President George Bush, September 11, 2001
everything to find the perpetrators of this
cowardly attack against innocent people resolution of support from the OAS. They damage to the best of my knowledge was
and bring them to justice. gave me an opportunity to say a few done from those. So it was obviously a
As you know, I got word of this while I words and make the point that at a meet- well-coordinated, extensive assault against
was meeting with President Toledo at ing where we are celebrating democracy, the United States. You may have gotten an
about 8:35*. It was an initial report, it was let there be no doubt that buildings can be earlier report that there was a car bomb
not accurate, but it was serious enough to destroyed and precious lives can be lost outside the State Department, but that is
give me a sense that something terrible but our society cannot be destroyed and not the case.
had happened. I briefed the President and our democracy cannot be destroyed. Our The President spoke to the nation not
his colleagues and a few moments later an spirit as a nation cannot be destroyed. too long ago and is in a secure facility.
updated message came in that started to They then at their suggestion immediately The Vice President is in the secure facili-
give a better understanding of how serious brought forward the declaration that we ties in Washington. The National Security
this was. We finished the meeting. By then were there to consider, and I think you team is intact and everything is being
it was clear that a major disaster was saw the nations accept it by acclamation, done to restore communications and to
unfolding back home. So I immediately standing in support of this acclamation of restore all the things that have been dis-
made a decision to return home. But it democracy, but I think also standing and rupted in the course of this morning.
would take a little while to get the air- applauding in solidarity with the Ameri- I’ve spoken to Deputy Secretary
plane ready, and it also gave me the can people. Armitage twice. He is of course in con-
opportunity to go to the beginning of the With respect to the events of the day, as stant touch with the White House and I’ve
conference where I was surrounded by you know when we took off, both towers also spoken to Dr. Rice, and the President
colleague after colleague, foreign minister of the World Trade Center had fallen, seri- and I, he tried to connect with me, but
after foreign minister expressing regrets ous fire at the Pentagon which is still rag- then we were moving and we were unable
and extending their condolences to the ing and has not been brought under con- to connect. I don’t want to get into specu-
United States and to the families of those trol yet. Other planes crashed elsewhere in lation as to who, what, where, why.
who lost their lives. the United States, one crashed near Camp There’s been no reputable claim of
I think you saw what happened on the David and the other crashed out in west- responsibility yet.
remote screens out in the conference ern Pennsylvania**. To the best of my World leaders have been calling in to
room, the expressions of sadness and the knowledge that’s all that happened. No express their concern and extend condo-
Foreign Policy Bulletin 3

3. Feature
lences. I will get back to Washington is on that and other agencies are on it. I **Correction: No plane crashed near Camp
immediately to contact leaders around the don’t have any information. David.
world and get plugged into what’s been
going on. Because of this, we’re in com- Q. Those two aircraft that crashed, do
munications with the Department but you have any sense of where they were Remarks by President Bush,
we’re going to keep that minimized due to headed to?
the overload of communications all over
September 11, 20014
the country at this time. I think that’s real- Secretary Powell. One was going from President Bush delivered his remarks
ly all I have for you and I’ll take one or Logan to LA— upon arriving at Barksdale Air Force
two questions if it flushes out what I’ve Base in Louisiana, in transit to an
said, but not to get into speculation. Q. No. The Camp David and Pennsyl- undisclosed, secure location.
vania.
Q. Secretary Powell, as you know I want to reassure the American people
there have been a number of worldwide Secretary Powell. No, I know nothing that the full resources of the federal gov-
cautions that your Department has about them, all I heard were the reports ernment are working to assist local
issued, do you think, and I recognize and I don’t know if they are big airplanes authorities to save lives and to help the
that it’s very early, but do you think or little airplanes or what. There was con- victims of these attacks. Make no mistake:
that this is something that could have cern that there might be other airplanes The United States will hunt down and
originated from the people that were and so, I mean we have AWACS up flying punish those responsible for these coward-
planning this trying to throw the U.S. a CAP. All the airports are closed. ly acts.
off their scent, obviously not thinking I’ve been in regular contact with the
that this attack would happen on U.S. Q. Did the State Department receive Vice President, the Secretary of Defense,
soil? any kind of warning or did any U.S. the national security team and my Cabi-
agency get any warning that you’re net. We have taken all appropriate security
Secretary Powell. I don’t know, I don’t aware of? precautions to protect the American peo-
want to speculate on who, what or ple. Our military at home and around the
whether the warnings are connected to Secretary Powell. Specific warning world is on high alert status, and we have
this. I don’t know the answers to any of about this specific incident, nothing I’m taken the necessary security precautions to
the questions you might pose to me with aware of. Of course we have sent advi- continue the functions of your govern-
respect to responsibility or what triggered sories and warnings out to embassies and ment.
it. I just don’t know. requests for any information they might We have been in touch with the leaders
have. of Congress and with world leaders to
Q. Mr. Secretary, anything on the assure them that we will do whatever is
casualties, also on the types of aircraft Q. Mr. Secretary is there anything necessary to protect America and Ameri-
that were used. now that you are prepared to ask other cans.
countries to do to respond to this, are I ask the American people to join me in
Secretary Powell. Obviously, I don’t there any diplomatic initiatives that are saying a thanks for all the folks who have
know the casualty numbers and they will likely? been fighting hard to rescue our fellow
be very large. The information I have on citizens and to join me in saying a prayer
airplanes was a 767 coming out of Logan Secretary Powell. I don’t have anything for the victims and their families.
that went into the World Trade Center to give you at this time, I’m sure that there The resolve of our great nation is being
bound for Los Angeles. I don’t have are many things that we’ll be talking tested. But make no mistake: We will
enough details on the others to comment. about in the days ahead, but I don’t have show the world that we will pass this test.
anything to give you now. God bless.
Q. Will you be able to work out of the
State Department? Is the State Depart- Q. What’s the status of U.S. missions
ment operational? elsewhere in the world now?
White House Press Briefing,
Secretary Powell. The State Depart- Secretary Powell. We have sent out September 11, 20015
ment is functioning. I will be working out advisories and cables to all of our U.S.
of lots of places. missions for them to take added security White House Press Secretary Ari
cautions, for them to be vigilant, to be in Fleischer delivered his remarks aboard
Q. Have you heard yet whether any- touch with their host governments for not Air Force One en route to Andrews Air
body has been able to identify, at least only security but also for any assistance Force Base at 1:45 P.M.
by name, the people who hijacked the with respect to information concerning
planes? this that might be of use to us. Mr. Fleischer. While on the ground at
Barksdale, the President spoke to the Vice
Secretary Powell. No. I’m sure the FBI * Actual time was 8:10. President several times—the Vice Presi-
dent, of course, being at the operations
4 Winter 2002

4. September 11, 2001
center at the White House. Excerpt from White House
He spoke with the Secretary of Defense; Mr. Fleischer. First things first: his
he spoke to Senator Schumer; he had spo- concern is with the safety of people who Press Briefing, September
ken to his wife prior to landing in have lost their—the health and security of 11, 20016
Louisiana. the American people and with the families
of those who have lost their lives. There White House Press Secretary Ari
Q. Do you know where she is? will come an appropriate time to do all Fleischer delivered his remarks aboard
appropriate look backs. is focus is on Air Force One en route to Andrews Air
Mr. Fleischer. She’s at a secure facility. events this morning. Force Base at 5:30 P.M.
Mr. Fleischer. The President will address
Q. And his daughters? Q. Has he been given any estimate of
the nation tonight, upon his return to the
what the American casualties may be?
White House. He met this afternoon for
Mr. Fleischer. They’re also at a secure
one hour and five minutes with his nation-
location. Mr. Fleischer. I don’t believe so, Ann.
al security team via live tele-conference
from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.
Q. Are they with her or—? Q. Has he spoken with Mayor Giu-
Among the things the President said
liani or Governor Pataki?
were, “We will find these people and they
Mr. Fleischer. No, no, they’re at their
will suffer the consequence of taking on
respective schools. Mr. Fleischer. He spoke with Governor
this nation. We will do what it takes,” and
So he spoke to several members of the Pataki. He plans to speak with Mayor
he continued, “No one is going to dimin-
national security team, and I mentioned Giuliani.
ish the spirit of this country.”
Senator Schumer. And he has been receiv-
The President has also heard today from
ing information—information will contin- Q. Who is with him on the plane?
countless world leaders either who are
ue to come in and it’ll continue to be eval-
calling to—back to Washington or have
uated. There will be a National Security Mr. Fleischer. Chief of Staff Card, Karl
sent him directly communiqués. He’s
Council meeting later this afternoon, in Rove, Dan Bartlett, myself, Gordon.
heard from Britain, France, Germany,
which the President will participate via
Russia—a host of nations, all of whom
teleconference. Q.—that’s it?
have expressed their outrage at this attack,
And, needless to say, all elements of the
and who have assured the American peo-
United States government are now doing Mr. Fleischer. Yes, as I indicated, we’ve
ple that the international community
their part, not only to help those who have pared everything back so that we can—
stands with America.
been hurt, but to collect information, to
That’s what I’ve got.
analyze it and to provide it to the Presi- Q. And does the President feel hunted
dent. or in jeopardy? I mean, he is kind of
Q. The message tonight, do you know
trying to stay out of—
how soon after he gets back to the
Q. Does the President now know any-
White House he’ll be able to do that?
thing more about who is responsible, Mr. Fleischer. The President is looking
the coordinated attack, and whether forward to returning to Washington. He
Mr. Fleischer. Can’t indicate yet.
this is it or— understands at a time like this, caution
must be taken; and he wants to get to back
Q. And when he does, the message is
Mr. Fleischer. That information is still to Washington.
to the American people, as he said earli-
being gathered and analyzed. And I antic-
er, and to foreign countries?
ipate that will be an ongoing process for a Q. What’s he doing right now?
little while. Often, at a time like this,
Mr. Fleischer. It will be a message of
information comes in, it turns out not to Mr. Fleischer. He’s talking to people on
resolve and reassurance. It will be a reas-
be true. The proper procedure is to care- the phone from his cabin.
suring message that our nation has been
fully, thoroughly evaluate all information
tested before, our nation has always pre-
and do so in a— Q. In his cabin?
vailed.
Q. Had there been any warnings that Mr. Fleischer. Yes.
Q. Does the President have any infor-
the President knew of?
mation about the source of the violence
and the mastermind behind it?
Mr. Fleischer. No warnings.
Mr. Fleischer. I’m not going to discuss
Q. Does the President—is he con-
any of the intelligence information that’s
cerned about the fact that this attack of
been provided to the President.
this severity happened with no warn-
ing?
Q. Can you give us some idea of why
Foreign Policy Bulletin 5

5. Feature
the stops that we made today were President reached him. Remarks by Secretary of
made? I understand the nature of the
tragedy that we’re dealing with, but Q. A number of domestic groups have State Rumsfeld, Chairman of
why these particular locations? called off, you know, scheduling a num- the Joint Chiefs of Staff
ber of activities—baseball, Emmy
Mr. Fleischer. For security purposes awards. How does the President now Shelton, Secretary of the
that involve the President. view the next few days for his concen- Army White, Senator Levin,
tration? He will have to deal with this
Q. I mean, was this more like a roll of pretty exhaustively over the rest of the and Senator Warner,
the dice as in, which Air Force bases week. September 11, 20017
will we end up at? Or is this more
wanting— Mr. Fleischer. The President thinks it’s Secretary Donald H. Rumseld, General
important for America to return to their Hugh Shelton, Secretary Thomas E.
Mr. Fleischer. Well, of course, nobody lives. As he indicated, this is a test of White, Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), and
would ever know what Air Force base we America’s resolve and that no one will Senator John Warner (R-VA) delivered
would end up at. That’s routine procedure. diminish America’s spirit; and America’s their remarks at a press conference at
There are a series of plan that you always spirit includes a return to normal the Pentagon at 6:42 P.M.
hope remain on the shelf that, unfortunate- lifestyles. Secretary Rumsfeld. This is a—first of
ly, today had to be implemented. all, good evening. This is a tragic day for
And so, as a matter of security, the Pres- Q. As for his schedule for the rest of our country. Our hearts and prayers go to
ident traveled in the manner that he did the week, he will now focus on this pri- the injured, their families and friends.
and that also allowed the national security marily? We have taken a series of measures to
community to assess the ongoing nature prevent further attacks and to determine
of a threat. Obviously, the President is Mr. Fleischer. Of course, this will be who is responsible. We’re making every
now returning to Washington. his top priority now. effort to take care of the injured and the
casualties in the building. I’m deeply
Q. Why is he returning now? Who Q. What are his plans for—in terms grateful for the many volunteers from the
makes the decision that it is safe for his of, is he going to stay in the White defense establishment and from the excel-
return now? House? Is he going to be moved to a dif- lent units from all throughout this region.
ferent location from there? They have our deep appreciation.
Mr. Fleischer. Well, ultimately, it’s the We have been working closely through-
President. Information is provided to the Mr. Fleischer. We’ll, of course, advise out the day with President Bush, Vice
President about any type of threat, and the you of any presidential travel, as always. President Cheney, CIA Director George
President makes the final determination. But the President is returning to the Oval Tenet, the vice chairman of the Joint
The President wanted to get back to Office and he will go to work. Chiefs of Staff, Dick Myers, who is cur-
Washington. He understood that there can rently participating in a meeting elsewhere
be a period of caution so that the security Q. He will what? I’m sorry. in the building, and a great many other
people can make a full and proper assess- officials from throughout the government.
ment about any threats. Mr. Fleischer. The President is return- I should say we’ve received calls from
They were afforded that opportunity. ing to the White House to go to work. across the world offering their sympathy
The President traveled to a secure location and indeed their assistance in various
while they took that opportunity. And ways.
now, obviously, the President is returning I’m very pleased to be joined here by
home safely. Chairman Carl Levin and Senator John
Warner. Senator Warner called earlier
Q. There was some confusion earlier today and offered his support and was
about whether the Vice President was at kind enough to come down and has been
the White House the entire time, or with us. We’ve very recently had a discus-
whether he was evacuated and ultimate- sion with the president of the United
ly returned to the White House. States. Chairman Hugh Shelton has just
landed from Europe. Secretary of the
Mr. Fleischer. Well, my information is Army Tom White, who has a responsibili-
he was at the White House the whole ty for incidents like this as executive agent
time. You’d have to check with his office for the Department of Defense, is also
about what time he arrived at the White joining me.
House. But from the beginning, when the It’s an indication that the United States
President spoke to him this morning, he government is functioning in the face of
was at the White House, that’s where the this terrible act against our country. I
6 Winter 2002

6. September 11, 2001
should add that the briefing here is taking are bombs exploding in Kabul,
place in the Pentagon. The Pentagon’s Senator Warner. Thank you. Afghanistan. Are we, at the moment,
functioning. It will be in business tomor- As a past chairman, preceding Carl striking back? And if so, is the target
row. Levin, I can assure you that the Congress Osama bin Laden and his organization?
I know the interest in casualty figures, stands behind our president, and the presi-
and all I can say is it’s not possible to dent speaks with one voice for this entire Secretary Rumsfeld. I’ve seen those
have solid casualty figures at this time. nation. This is indeed the most tragic hour reports. They—in no way is the United
And the various components are doing in America’s history, and yet I think it can States government connected to those
roster checks, and we’ll have information be its finest hour, as our president and explosions.
at some point in the future. And as quickly those with him, most notably our secretary
as it’s possible to have it, it will certainly of Defense, our chairman, and the men Q. What about Osama bin Laden, do
be made available to each of you. and women of the armed forces all over you suspect him as the prime suspect in
I’ll be happy to take a few questions this world stand ready not only to defend this?
after asking first General Shelton if he this nation and our allies against further
would like to say anything, and then we attack, but to take such actions as are Secretary Rumsfeld. It’s not the time
will allow the others to make a remark or directed in the future in retaliation for this for discussions like that.
two. terrorist act—a series of terrorist acts,
unprecedented in world history. Q. Mr. Secretary, you said you could
General Shelton. Thank you, Mr. Sec- We call upon the entire world to step up not be specific about casualties. Can
retary. Ladies and gentlemen, as the secre- and help, because terrorism is a common you give us some characterization,
tary just said, today, we have watched the enemy to all, and we’re in this together. whether it’s dozens, hundreds in the
tragedy of an outrageous act of barbaric The United States has borne the brunt, but building?
terrorism carried out by fanatics against who can be next? Step forward and let us
both civilians and military people, acts hold accountable and punish those that Secretary Rumsfeld. Well, we know
that have killed and maimed many inno- have perpetrated this attack. there were large numbers, many dozens,
cent and decent citizens of our country. Again, I commend the secretary, the in the aircraft that flew at full power,
I extend my condolences to the entire chairman, and how proud we are. We steering directly into the—between, I
Department of Defense families, military spoke with our President here moments think, the first and second floor of the—
and civilian, and to the families of all ago. He’s got a firm grip on this situation, opposite the helipad. You’ve seen it. There
those throughout our nation who lost and the Secretary and the General have a cannot be any survivors; it just would be
loved ones. firm grip on our armed forces and in com- beyond comprehension.
I think this is indeed a reminder of the munication the world over. There are a number of people that
tragedy and the tragic dangers that we they’ve not identified by name, but identi-
face day in and day out both here at that Secretary Rumsfeld. Thank you very fied as being dead, and there are a number
home as well as abroad. much. of causalities. But the FBI has secured the
I will tell you up front, I have no inten- We’ll take a few questions and then site. And the—information takes time to
tions of discussing today what comes we’ll adjourn. come. People have been lifted out and
next, but make no mistake about it, your Charlie. taken away in ambulances. And the num-
armed forces are ready. bers will be calculated, and it will not be a
Q. Mr. Secretary, did you have any few.
Senator Warner. The chairman. inkling at all, in any way, that some-
thing of this nature and something of Q. Mr. Secretary, could you tell us
Secretary Rumsfeld. The chairman of this scope might be planned? what you saw?
the Senate Armed Services Committee,
Carl Levin. Secretary Rumsfeld. Charlie, we don’t Secretary Rumsfeld. Yeah?
discuss intelligence matters.
Senator Levin. Our intense focus on Q. Mr. Secretary, do you consider
recovery and helping the injured and the Q. I see. And how—how would you what happened today, both in New York
families of those who were killed is respond if you find out who did this? and here, an act of war?
matched only by our determination to pre-
vent more attacks and matched only by Secretary Rumsfeld. Obviously, the Secretary Rumsfeld. There is no ques-
our unity to track down, root out and president of the United States has spoken tion but that the attack against the United
relentlessly pursue terrorists, states that on that subject, and those are issues that States of America today was a vicious,
support them and harbor them. he will address in good time. well-coordinated, massive attack against
They are the common enemy of the civ- Yes? the United States of America. What words
ilized world. Our institutions are strong, the lawyers will use to characterize it is
and our unity is palpable. Q. Mr. Secretary, we are getting for them.
Senator John Warner. reports from CNN and others that there
Foreign Policy Bulletin 7

7. Feature
Q. Does that mean that the U.S. is at ate. Senator Levin. You bet.
war then?
Q.—what do you say to the American Q. Senator Levin, you and other
Q. Mr. Secretary, you said that the people who may have questions on how Democrats in Congress have voiced fear
Pentagon would be open for business something so coordinated has been car- that you simply don’t have enough
tomorrow. What kind of assurances can ried out against this nation? What do money for the large increase in defense
you give the people who work here at you say to them who might not have that the Pentagon is seeking, especially
the building that the building will be confidence that our intelligence and for missile defense, and you fear that
safe? security are what they should have you’ll have to dip into the Social Securi-
been? ty funds to pay for it. Does this sort of
Secretary Rumsfeld. A terrorist can thing convince you that an emergency
attack at any time at any place using any Secretary Rumsfeld. I say to them that exists in this country to increase defense
technique. It is physically impossible to the president of the United States will be spending, to dip into Social Security, if
defend at every time in every place against making some remarks to them this necessary, to pay for defense spend-
every technique. It is not possible to give evening that will address those subjects. ing—increase defense spending?
guarantees. The people who work in this Q. Mr. Secretary, you’ve declared—
building do so voluntarily. They’re brave the Pentagon has declared Threatcon Senator Levin. One thing where the
people, and they do their jobs well. Delta for forces around the world. committee was unanimous on, among
Could you tell me why? Have you many, many other things, was that the—
Q. Mr. Secretary, can you give a sense received any threats? Or has anyone we authorized the full request of the Presi-
of what happened—what did you see claimed credit for this? dent, including the $18 billion. So I would
when you left your office, ran down to say that Democrats and Republicans have
the site and apparently helped people Secretary Rumsfeld. We have in fact seen the need for the request.
on stretchers and then returned to the declared Force Protection Condition Delta
command center? and a condition of high alert—indeed, the Q. Mr. Secretary, could you describe
highest alert. We did so almost immediate- what steps are being taken—defensive
Secretary Rumsfeld. The—I felt the ly upon the attacks, and it is still in force. measures—beyond force protection,
shock of the airplane hitting the building, and whether there’s been any opera-
went through the building and then out Q. Mr. Secretary, were there threats tional planning for homeland defense
into the area, and they were bringing bod- issued against other U.S. facilities else- and as to—
ies out that had been injured, most of where in the world today?
which were alive and moving, but serious- Secretary Rumsfeld. Those aren’t the
ly injured. And a lot of volunteers were Secretary Rumsfeld. The—I don’t kinds of things that one discusses.
doing a terrific job helping to bring them know that there’s a day that’s gone by
out of the buildings and get them into since I’ve been in this job that there Q. Sir, the perpetrators of the Khobar
stretchers and into ambulances and into haven’t been threats somewhere in the Towers bombing were never found—the
airlifts. world to some facility somewhere. It’s a— Cole bombing as well. What assurances
it’s one of the complexities of the intelli- or what confidence do you have that the
Q. Mr. Secretary, can you tell us how gence business that you have to sort perpetrators of this act will be found?
many of the dead were soldiers and how through those kinds of things. But we
many were civilians? Have you been don’t get into the specifics. Secretary Rumsfeld. All one can offer
able to determine that? Yes? You had your hand up? Yes? by way of assurance is a seriousness of
purpose. We’re still taking bodies out of
Secretary Rumsfeld. Absolutely not. Q. Mr. Secretary, there were rumors this building, so I would say that that’s a
Yeah. earlier in the day that the plane which little premature.
crashed in Pennsylvania had been
Q. Mr. Secretary, today we saw mili- brought down by the United States, Q. Mr. Secretary?
tary planes both in New York and in either shot down or in some other man-
Washington. How much more of a mili- ner. Secretary Rumsfeld. Yes?
tary presence will we see, now that this
incident has occurred, for the next Secretary Rumsfeld. We have absolute- Q. You’ve talked about—and others
week? ly no information that any U.S. aircraft at the podium have talked about being
shot down any other aircraft today. ready, the military is ready, General
Secretary Rumsfeld. Those kinds of Shelton said. And we understand the
decisions are made day to day. It is correct Q. I wonder if we could just ask Sena- Navy has dispatched two carriers and
that we had aircraft flying protective mis- tor Levin one thing, Senator, if that’s all some guided-missile cruisers and
sions at various places in the United States right. destroyers and a couple of Marine
today. And they will do that as appropri- Corps helicopter amphibious ships,
8 Winter 2002

8. September 11, 2001
such as the Bataan—it’s not the
Bataan—here and to New York. Can
you tell us if that’s true? And also any
other things you can share with us Today, our fellow citizens, our
about how the United States military is way of life, our very freedom
preparing to take on whatever in the came under attack in a series of
next few days? deliberate and deadly terrorist
acts. The victims were in air-
planes, or in their offices; secre-
Secretary Rumsfeld. We don’t make
taries, businessmen and women,
announcements about ship deployments.
military and federal workers;
moms and dads, friends and
Q. Mr. Secretary?
neighbors. Thousands of lives
were suddenly ended by evil,
Secretary Rumsfeld. Yes?
despicable acts of terror.
Q. Can you describe the fire-fighting President George Bush, Sep-
efforts that are going on right now in tember 11, 2001
that corridor and the search-and-rescue
efforts that are beginning?
Secretary Rumsfeld. Can I describe
them?
Q. Yeah.
Secretary Rumsfeld. Why don’t we let
the Secretary of the Army, who was out
there with me a few minutes ago and has
been talking to the incident commander
on the site.
Statement by President steel, but they cannot dent the steel of
Secretary White. I think it’s fair to say American resolve.
at this point that the fire is contained, and Bush, September 11, 20018 America was targeted for attack because
will shortly, if not already, be sufficiently we’re the brightest beacon for freedom
controlled to allow entry into the building. President Bush delivered the following and opportunity in the world. And no one
That entry will be supervised by the FBI, address to the nation at 8:30 P.M. will keep that light from shining.
who are in charge of the site, assisted by Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, Today, our nation saw evil, the very
the fire departments that are present. We, our very freedom came under attack in a worst of human nature. And we responded
on the Army side, will support them as series of deliberate and deadly terrorist with the best of America—with the daring
they go in the building and search for acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in of our rescue workers, with the caring for
casualties and bring them out, then we their offices; secretaries, businessmen and strangers and neighbors who came to give
will support them in dealing with that. women, military and federal workers; blood and help in any way they could.
That’s what’s going on on the ground. moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Immediately following the first attack, I
Thousands of lives were suddenly ended implemented our government’s emergency
Secretary Rumsfeld. We’ll take one by evil, despicable acts of terror. response plans. Our military is powerful,
last question. The pictures of airplanes flying into and it’s prepared. Our emergency teams
buildings, fires burning, huge structures are working in New York City and Wash-
Q. Is the government operating under collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, ington, D.C. to help with local rescue
the assumption that this attack is done, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding efforts.
or is it poised or bracing for more anger. These acts of mass murder were Our first priority is to get help to those
action? intended to frighten our nation into chaos who have been injured, and to take every
and retreat. But they have failed; our precaution to protect our citizens at home
Secretary Rumsfeld. The government country is strong. and around the world from further attacks.
is certainly aware that it’s difficult to A great people has been moved to The functions of our government contin-
know when attacks are concluded. defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can ue without interruption. Federal agencies
shake the foundations of our biggest in Washington which had to be evacuated
buildings, but they cannot touch the foun- today are reopening for essential person-
dation of America. These acts shattered nel tonight, and will be open for business
Foreign Policy Bulletin 9

9. Feature
tomorrow. Our financial institutions condemn them utterly. Terrorism must be Obviously some of these measures, not
remain strong, and the American economy fought resolutely wherever it appears. least the effect upon airports, will lead to
will be open for business, as well. In such moments, cool and reasoned some disruption, and I hope people under-
The search is underway for those who judgement is more essential than ever. We stand that. But other than the specific
are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed the do not know yet who is behind these acts, measures we have taken, or that we have
full resources of our intelligence and law or what objective they hope to achieve. advised others to take, business and every-
enforcement communities to find those What we do know is that no just cause can day life can continue as normal. As for
responsible and to bring them to justice. be advanced by terror. those that carried out these attacks, there
We will make no distinction between the are no adequate words of condemnation.
terrorists who committed these acts and Their barbarism will stand as their shame
those who harbor them. Statement by British Prime for all eternity.
I appreciate so very much the members As I said earlier, this mass terrorism is
of Congress who have joined me in
Minister Blair, September 11, the new evil in our world. The people who
strongly condemning these attacks. And 200110 perpetrate it have no regard whatever for
on behalf of the American people, I thank the sanctity or value of human life, and
the many world leaders who have called The full horror of what has happened in we the democracies of the world, must
to offer their condolences and assistance. the United States earlier today is now come together to defeat it and eradicate it.
America and our friends and allies join becoming clearer. It is hard even to con- This is not a battle between the United
with all those who want peace and securi- template the utter carnage and terror States of America and terrorism, but
ty in the world, and we stand together to which has engulfed so many innocent between the free and democratic world
win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I people. We’ve offered President Bush and and terrorism. We, therefore, here in
ask for your prayers for all those who the American people our solidarity, our Britain stand shoulder to shoulder with
grieve, for the children whose worlds have profound sympathy, and our prayers. But our American friends in this hour of
been shattered, for all whose sense of it is plain that citizens of many countries tragedy, and we, like them, will not rest
safety and security has been threatened. round the world, including Britain, will until this evil is driven from our world.
And I pray they will be comforted by a have been caught up in this terror.
power greater than any of us, spoken I have just chaired an emergency meet-
through the ages in Psalm 23: “Even ing of the British government Civil Con- Statement by NATO
though I walk through the valley of the tingencies Committee, and I would like to
shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You explain some of the measures that we Secretary General
are with me.” have agreed to take here. There are a Robertson, September 11,
This is a day when all Americans from range of precautionary measures. We have
every walk of life unite in our resolve for stepped up security at airports to the high- 200111
justice and peace. America has stood est levels. No flights will take off from the
I condemn in the strongest possible terms
down enemies before, and we will do so United Kingdom for which we cannot
the senseless attacks which have just been
this time. None of us will ever forget this apply the highest standards of security for
perpetrated against the United States of
day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom air crew and passengers. Private flights
America. My sympathies go to the Ameri-
and all that is good and just in our world. have been stopped except where specifi-
can people, the victims and their families.
Thank you. Good night, and God bless cally authorized. Flight paths into London
These barbaric acts constitute intolerable
America. have been changed, so there will be no
aggression against democracy and under-
civil over-flights of central London.
line the need for the international commu-
Security has been increased across the
nity and the members of the Alliance to
Statement by United Nations full range of government buildings and
unite their forces in fighting the scourge
military premises. The police across the
Secretary General Annan, whole of the U.K. are on full alert. All our
of terrorism.
September 11, 20019 defense facilities round the world have
been moved to high alert to ensure the
We are all traumatized by this terrible protection of British service personnel.
Statement by the North
tragedy. We do not know yet how many Advice is being given to major financial Atlantic Council, September
people have been killed or injured, but and business institutions about appropriate
inevitably the number will be high. Our security measures. A number of other
11, 200112
first thoughts and prayers must be for security measures have been taken, and of The North Atlantic Council met tonight to
them and for their families. I wish to course we are in close touch with U.S., express its solidarity with the United
express my profound condolences to European and other allies, and are co- States of America at this moment of great
them, and to the people and Government operating with them on issues of security. tragedy and mourning. Our deepest sym-
of the United States. All relevant ministers remain in communi- pathy lies with the victims, their families
There can be no doubt that these attacks cation, and the committee—the civil con- and all Americans. The NATO nations
are deliberate acts of terrorism, carefully tingencies committee—will meet again unanimously condemn these barbaric acts
planned and coordinated—and as such I tomorrow at 8am.
10 Winter 2002

10. September 11, 2001
committed against a NATO member state. Letter from Chinese Secretary Powell. Good morning,
The mindless slaughter of so many inno- Katie.
cent civilians is an unacceptable act of President Jiang to President
violence without precedent in the modern Bush, September 11, 200114 Q. On a human level, I just want to
era. It underscores the urgency of intensi- get your reaction to the events of yester-
fying the battle against terrorism, a battle Shocked to learn of the serious attacks day.
that the NATO countries—indeed all civi- against certain areas in New York City and
lized nations—must win. All Allies stand Washington D.C. on September 11, which Secretary Powell. Total shock. I was in
united in their determination to combat caused horrendous casualty, I wish to a meeting in Lima, Peru with President
this scourge. At this critical moment, the express, on behalf of the Chinese Govern- Toledo and his associates when a note was
United States can rely on its 18 Allies in ment and people, our deepest sympathy handed to me, and I just shouted out
North America and Europe for assistance and solicitude to you and, through you, to across the breakfast table, “Oh my God.”
and support. NATO solidarity remains the the Government and people of the United And then the situation got worse over the
essence of our Alliance. Our message to States. I wish also to extend our condo- next 20 minutes as more reports came in,
the people of the United States is that we lences to the families of the victims. The and I immediately made plans to return to
are with you. Our message to those who Chinese Government has consistently con- Washington.
perpetrated these unspeakable crimes is demned and rejected all forms of terrorist Before returning, though, I did attend
equally clear: you will not get away with violence. briefly a meeting of the Organization of
it. American States, where 34 other total
states—the United States was 33—were
Israeli Ministry of Foreign assembled to bring into effect a new char-
Statement by President of Affairs Press Statement, ter on democracy, and we did that by just
a simple vote of acclamation. And then all
the United Nations Security September 11, 200115 of the delegates stood and applauded this
Council, September 11, 200113 statement in support of democracy, and to
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Min- show solidarity with the American people
Members of the Security Council are ister Peres wishes to extend, on behalf of in this time of crisis.
shocked by and unanimously condemn in the government and people of Israel, Since my return, I’ve been in touch with
the strongest terms the horrifying terrorist deepest condolences to the American peo- leaders around the world, with Lord
attacks which have taken place today in ple and leaders. The Foreign Minister Robertson and NATO, with Javier Solana
New York, Washington, D.C., and else- expressed his rage and anger at the abom- and the European Union and Kofi Annan,
where in the United States. This is a inable acts of terrorism. to make sure everybody understands that
tragedy for and a challenge to all humani- FM Shimon Peres offered the United we need a worldwide response to this
ty. There can be no excuse or justification States government, on behalf of the State assault on America, because it’s an assault
for these acts and any terrorist act. of Israel, Israel’s aid and rescue assis- on civilization, it’s an assault on democra-
Members of the Security Council tance. cy, it’s an assault on the world and the
express their deepest sympathy and con- Israel is following the developments world must respond as the United States
dolences to the victims and their families with deep concern and prays for the well- plans to respond.
and to the people and government of the being of the American people. Israel
United States of America. grieves at this tragedy of unimaginable Q. Secretary Powell, last night the
Members of the Security Council call proportions. President said, “Those who harbor
on all States to work together urgently to these criminals will be held responsi-
bring to justice the perpetrators, organiz- ble.” If we believe the man behind this
ers and sponsors of today’s outrages. Remarks by Secretary of is in fact Usama bin Laden and that the
They call on the international community Taliban, the ruling government in
to redouble its efforts to prevent and sup-
State Powell, September 12,
Afghanistan, is harboring him, what
press terrorist acts by increased coopera- 200116 can the United States do to actually
tion and full implementation of relevant back up the President’s words?
international anti-terrorist conventions and Secretary Colin Powell was interviewed
Security Council resolutions. by Katie Couric on NBC’s Today Show. Secretary Powell. Well, there are many
Members of the Security Council Q. The President is expected to meet options available to us: military options,
express their readiness to take urgent fur- with his national security staff this diplomatic options, further isolation of
ther steps in accordance with their respon- morning. Secretary of State Colin Pow- any country that might be harboring who
sibilities under the Charter of the United ell is just across the Potomac River at is responsible. We are not yet prepared to
Nations. the State Department this morning. state this morning who is responsible, but
Secretary Powell, good morning to the evidence is mounting, and I think it
you, sir. will point us in the right direction in the
not-too-distant future, and then we will
Foreign Policy Bulletin 11

11. Feature
have to not only take action on our own terday. This is going to take a multi- ment experts. But in this case, we did not
part, but also mobilize the world against faceted attack along many dimensions: get the cuing we needed, we did not get
whatever regimes may be supporting the diplomatic, military, intelligence, law the intelligence information needed to pre-
terrorists who conducted this act. enforcement. All sorts of things will have dict that this was about to happen or be
to be done to bring this scourge under aware of this kind of event coming our
Q. So you’re saying, General Powell, control. And it is not just one organiza- way.
that as of this morning, you cannot say tion; it’s a network of organizations. We So I think it’s premature to call it an
that U.S. officials believe Usama bin have to make the whole world understand intelligence failure. Let’s see what we
Laden was responsible for this? that this is something we all have to be might have picked up as we go back and
involved in, and not just see it as a dis- do the postmortem on how this all came
Secretary Powell. Let me just say that creet response to a single incident. We’ll about.
there is evidence being developed now, do that, but we have to realize that terror-
and good evidence. We will be able to ism has been around for a very long time, Q. Would you agree with your former
make a definitive statement in due course. and it’s going to take a very long time to colleague, General Schwartzkopf, that
But I think it is best not to speculate until root it out. we need to emphasize human intelli-
we do have the evidence all assembled, But what the President specifically was gence as much as technical intelligence,
and we make an informed judgment and focusing on last night is that there are and we’ve got all the technological toys
announcement at that time. nations, there are states, there are organi- that can be used for those purposes, but
zations who provide havens, and these what we need are real thinking, seeing
Q. Secretary Powell, a diplomatic states and organizations cannot be given a people on the ground to infiltrate these
response may seem meager to many free ride any longer. And a major part of groups?
Americans, who in a poll this morning our diplomatic effort will be to mobilize
said 94 percent say they would support the international community against the Secretary Powell. Absolutely, but it’s
military action in retaliation if the U.S. actions of such states and organizations easier said than done. And we do have to
can identify the groups or nation once we have a clear understanding of emphasize human intelligence, because
responsible; 92 percent said they would who is responsible for this and who might you can defeat electronic intelligence just
support it even if it meant entering a have been giving them haven. by not emitting. So human intelligence is
war. very, very important, and I know that our
What is your response to that? Q. Do you think this was an individ- intelligence community is very aware of
ual cell of terrorists, or do you believe that. But these are also difficult activities
Secretary Powell. I fully understand the this could be state-sponsored? In other to penetrate, and to be able to stay within
views of the American people this morn- words, could Iraq or a country like that such a network for a long period of time.
ing. We’re mad. We were assaulted. But have been involved in this? But certainly this will be looked at as
our spirit wasn’t assaulted, and our fight- we review everything we’re doing in the
ing spirit was not assaulted. So we want to Secretary Powell. I just don’t know at field of intelligence.
respond. You don’t attack America like this point, and I’d rather not speculate.
this and get away with it. I’m sure as the evidence mounts, we will Q. If we do engage in another coun-
And so I can assure the American peo- have a better idea of, one, who is directly try, or take military action, what are
ple that the President, if he is able to get responsible, and two, what kind of support the ramifications? In other words, if an
the information pinpointing who it is and they may have been receiving from out- Islamic fundamentalist group was
where they are and get targetable informa- side that cell, outside that network, from responsible, what kind of retaliation
tion, I am quite confident that he will look either state organizations or other types of might we expect, and what kind of
at every option he has available to him to terrorist organizations. access do they have, these groups, to
respond militarily. But I’d think it best we not speculate weapons of mass destruction?
too wildly at this point.
Q. Along those lines, is the U.S. Gov- Secretary Powell. Well, let me not
ernment prepared to enter a war Q. The U.S. spends billions of dollars speculate as to what we might do. I think
against these terrorists, and wouldn’t on intelligence. Was this, in your view, a a full range of options will be available,
that entail committing ground troops to massive intelligence failure, as it has and I know that the Secretary of Defense
find them, weed them out? After all, the been called? and his colleagues are looking at that. It
U.S. has launched air strikes against all depends on where we run this to
terrorist targets in the past, and the ter- Secretary Powell. I wouldn’t character- ground, as to what counter-attack we
rorists continue to survive, even flour- ize it that way. We spend many, many bil- might receive from those who are respon-
ish. lions of dollars on intelligence, and then sible.
intelligence allows us to thwart many But at this time it’s premature to start
Secretary Powell. Let’s not think that attacks. There are many terrorist attacks speculating, or to identify them as Islamic
one single counter- attack will rid the that never took place because of the fine fundamentalists. Let’s just identify them
world of terrorism of the kind we saw yes- work of our intelligence and law enforce- as a terrorist group that can have no reli-
12 Winter 2002

12. September 11, 2001
gious underpinning, no legitimate under- sense— Secretary Powell. I say that we do have
pinning for this kind of action. This is the best intelligence system. We have the
murder, which is against the tenets of Q. Are we talking weeks? Are we talk- best military on the face of the Earth. But
every religion, every responsible religion ing months? as has been demonstrated many times in
that is in the world, and it is receiving the past, if you are a determined enemy
condemnation from around the world, Secretary Powell. Well, we just don’t and if you are prepared to go after soft
from people of all faiths and religious know, Bryant. And it wouldn’t be—I don’t targets, and if you are—you are prepared
backgrounds. think it would proper for me to speculate to do it in ways that are rather different
So let’s just view them as what they are: without knowing exactly who the perpe- from anything we’ve seen before, unless
terrorist organizations. And I cannot spec- trators are and whether there is something we get something that cues us, something
ulate whether they might have access to to respond to. that gives us some indication that this kind
the kinds of weapons you discussed, Diplomatically and in other ways, we of asymmetric attack is coming, we are
because we don’t know exactly who it is can respond immediately. And I’ve been always at risk. We can’t defend against
yet. But we will be on guard for that. on the phone already with Kofi Annan at every single possibility short of shutting
the U.N., with Lord Robertson at NATO ourselves up into some kind of block-
and with Javier Solana at the European house. We’re an open society. And so we
Remarks by Secretary of Union to get an international response to have thwarted many terrorist attacks over
this—condemnation, consideration of the years. And some have been successful.
State Powell, September 12, other actions that the international com- But I can assure you that we have compe-
200117 munity might take. tent people working on this. We do have
Now, that just might sound like diplo- the best people working on it. But it is
Secretary Colin Powell was interviewed matic speak, but it’s important diplomatic impossible to stop every potential attack
by Bryant Gumbel on the CBS Morning speak because we want the entire world to that is coming our way.
Show. come down and not only condemn this
The first thing I’m doing this morning, kind of activity, but together—united—to Q. Understood. Final note, are we at
Bryant, is, one, making sure that all our go after those who continue to believe that war, Mr. Secretary?
embassies around the world are safe and by killing innocent civilians they can
taking necessary precautionary actions. achieve political purposes. That has to be Secretary Powell. I think the American
We have about 25 percent of our the response of the international commu- people are not confused about the
embassies on suspended operation. But nity to kill that idea and root these organi- legalisms of this. When you saw those
they will all be coming back up in the zations up once and for all. scenes coming out of New York and
course of the day, I’m quite sure. Washington today, the American people
Next, the President has directed me to Q. Mr. Secretary, besides being a made a judgment, we are at war. And they
work with international organizations and diplomat, you’re also a military man. want a comprehensive response. They
our friends around the world to make the You know the topography. You know want us to act as if we are at war. And we
point that this is an assault against the civ- the landscape both diplomatic and oth- are going to do that—diplomatically, mili-
ilized world—not just against the United erwise. How realistic is it to think we tarily, picking options that will respond to
States—and to mobilize them to respond could track down the individuals who this, searching out those who are responsi-
to this assault: diplomatically, militarily, did this? ble, and those who harbor them.
with police actions, intelligence actions— And so as we go through the legalisms
and to make sure that those nations, as the Secretary Powell. I think it is realistic. of all this and determine how to respond
President said last night, who might be I think we have demonstrated in the past in the international community, the Ameri-
harboring or providing comfort to these our ability to find people who have com- can people know what they saw yesterday
kinds of terrorist organizations understand mitted these sorts of terrorist acts. We and what they believe they saw, clearly,
that we will be holding them accountable. have very, very confident people who was an act of war. Not only against Amer-
And once this trail leads us to who is know how to follow leads. Sometimes it ica but against the international communi-
responsible, if there are nations that bear takes a few weeks. Sometimes it takes ty—the community of peace. But they
responsibility in that regard for hosting years. But we won’t give up. We will find didn’t hurt our spirit. They didn’t hurt our
them, then we will be doing something them. And they will be dealt with. resilience as a society. And we’ll come
about that, as well. back—we’ll come back firmly. We are
Q. The question being asked often this still very much intact as a society, as a
Q. We heard the President’s words morning, Mr. Secretary, is this, that nation. And we know how to respond.
last night. I don’t expect a specific ours is the most sophisticated defense
timetable. But in general terms, how system in the entire world, certainly the
quickly can or will we respond? most expensive, to that question of how
could we not have seen this coming,
Secretary Powell. We’ll respond as what do you say?
soon as we can. And in the diplomatic
Foreign Policy Bulletin 13

13. Feature
Remarks by Secretary of perpetrator. As soon as we get that, And this will all be part of our strategy.
what is the timeline—do you think— The important point is that we suffered
State Powell, September 12, between now and the time that you terrible losses yesterday. And our heart
200118 think we will have pretty secure knowl- goes out—our hearts go out to all of our
edge of who is responsible? fellow Americans who are in such pain.
Secretary Colin Powell was interviewed But they didn’t get our spirit. They didn’t
by Tony Snow on Fox Morning News. Secretary Powell. I don’t know, Tony, understand the resiliency of this great
so I would rather not speculate or predict. nation of ours. And as the President said
Q. We have an international terrorist
But there is a body of evidence that is last night, we will be back, we will
network. There is no way we can nego-
starting to develop and come together that respond. And they will regret to their
tiate with these people, is there?
death what they perpetrated against us
yesterday.
Secretary Powell. No. They have to be
rooted. They have to be destroyed. And Q. We have an international terrorist Q. When we tried to respond to the
we are hard at work on that this morning. network. There is no way we can Munich disco bombing some of our
We are trying to make sure that the world
negotiate with these people, is there? NATO allies did not allow us to do over-
understands that this was an assault not
flights in order to strike back at Muam-
just on America, but on civilization—upon
Secretary Powell. No. They have to mar Qadhafi. Do we now have assur-
all of the nations of the world. And it
ance from our European allies that they
requires a worldwide response. be rooted. They have to be destroyed.
will give us their full support when it
And that response has to be diplomatic.
comes to fighting whoever is responsi-
It has to be political. It has to be going
ble?
after their means of support. It has to be
going after nations and states and other
is starting to point us in certain directions. Secretary Powell. I have had expres-
organizations that give them harbor and
But that really is the purview of our intel- sions of full support from European allies
haven and support. And it has to be mili-
ligence community. So I would rather not and other allies. Now, we haven’t gone to
tary, as well, if targets can be found that
speculate or predict as to when we can them with any specific requests yet. But I
are actionable. And it has to be justice,
make an announcement or when we can sense there is a good deal of leaning for-
too—if that is possible to bring somebody
let the world know. ward based in the calls I’ve had this morn-
to justice. But it has to be a complete
ing in recognition of the fact that this
comprehensive response. It is not just one
Q. To make diplomacy credible and could have happened to any one of them.
action that is going to be taken.
also to send a message to terrorists, one
presumes that we would need to ****
Q. Secretary Powell, last night the
respond rather forcefully and rather
President said that we will make no dis-
quickly. Again, how swiftly should the Q. Final question, sir, many Americans
tinction between terrorists and nations
United States respond once it knows today are filled with anxiety. Could you
that harbor them. Let me read you a
who is responsible? tell them that you think that the attacks
list of nations and see if you can pick
are over for now?
out any that have not offered aid and
Secretary Powell. I would say that you
comfort to terrorists: Iran, Iraq, Syria,
respond as quickly as you can once you Secretary Powell. Well, I can’t say that.
Libya, Sudan, Afghanistan. Are any of
know who is responsible and once you I simply don’t know. We have no indica-
those off the list?
have something to respond to. And this tion that anything similar to what hap-
may take some patience. I’m quite confi- pened yesterday is afoot in the country.
Secretary Powell. No.
dent it isn’t going to be within a day or so. But at the same time, this is a time for
You have to get something that is action- caution and vigilance. But it is also a time
Q. We also have in the past—Saudi
able and then put in place forces that can for us to get back to work. It is also a time
Arabia certainly has not cut off the
conduct whatever strikes may be appropri- for us to show the world that America is
spigot of funds for Usama bin Laden. Is
ate. working, to show the world that America
that a problem, as well?
And I know that my colleague Don is coming back from this tragedy and not
Rumsfeld and the Joint Chiefs of Staff are to hide in bunkers, but to get back to
Secretary Powell. Well, we’ll look at
examining all the options that are avail- work—as we are here in the State Depart-
all possibilities of support to terrorist
able to them, and then, of course, avail- ment and as we are all over Washington
organizations in the course of our review
able to the president. Diplomatically we and our facilities around the world.
of this particular situation as part of our
can start right away and we are contacting
ongoing struggle against terrorism.
nations around the world. We’re very, very Q. Secretary Powell, I beg your indul-
pleased with the response we have gotten gence for one last question. You’ve been
Q. You have said a number of times
from Russia, from China, from the U.N., working very hard on trying to work
today in previous interviews that you
from NATO, from the European Union. for Middle East peace. Yesterday Amer-
think we’re pretty close to getting a
14 Winter 2002