"WASHINGTON (AP) � The United States will launch sustained military strikes
against those behind the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington as
well as their support systems, a senior Pentagon official said Thursday.
In the most explicit description yet of the Bush administration's
intentions, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said the military
retaliation would continue until the roots of terrorism are destroyed.
``One has to say it's not just simply a matter of capturing people and
holding them accountable, but removing the sanctuaries, removing the support
systems, ending states who sponsor terrorism,'' he told a news conference in
a Pentagon briefing room that still smelled of smoke and soot.
Other defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the
administration was considering options that included the use of air, sea and
land forces over a lengthy period. They said it was clear the administration
would go well beyond the limited strikes of recent years against Iraq,
Afghanistan and Sudan.
``This is not going to be a short program,'' said Navy Secretary Gordon
England.
In comments at the White House, President Bush was less explicit about the
military's role but emphatic that action would be taken in response to
attacks that he has called acts of war.
``Now that war has been declared, we will lead the world to victory,'' Bush
said.
Wolfowitz made clear the administration is not thinking of a limited
response.
``One thing that is clear is you don't do it with just a single military
strike, no matter how dramatic,'' he said.
[snip]
Yeah well..I am on a plane Monday out of here, hopefully.
-Gel
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