Facebook Twitter Email
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2001

President Bush on Thursday night addressed Congress and the nation, outlining a "war on terror" that will be waged for months, possibly years to come.

As part of the war betweeen "freedom and fear," Bush issued an ultimatum to the Taliban, the ruling party of Afghanistan. He said the Taliban needs to hand over suspected mastermind Osama bin Laden to the United States and shut down all terrorist-training camps or be attacked by the United States.

Bush specifically blamed the Al-Queda, bin Laden's Islamic group, for the attack on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center in New York City. But he said their actions should not define the Muslim or Middle Eastern community at whole.

A group of Muslim clerics in Afghanistan has recommended bin Laden leave the country voluntarily. Bush has rejected the suggestion and the Taliban says bin Laden will not be handed over without evidence.

According to a poll conducted by The Washington Post and ABC News, eight out of 10 Americans watched last night's speech. Of respondents, 91 percent support Bush in whatever actions he might take. Congress has supported the President.

Bush has already deployed troops to the Persian Gulf in what has been termed "Operation Infinite Justice." But the name may be changed because it could offend practitioners of Islam.

Bush has previously apologized for calling America's response to terrorism a "crusade."

Get the Speech:
Text | Video: Full Speech | Video: Highights | Video: Senate Support

Get the Story:
President Issues Ultimatum to Terrorists and Supporters (The Washington Post 9/21)
Americans Overwhelmingly Back President (The Washington Post 9/21)
A Resolute And Focused Call to Arms (The Washington Post 9/21)
On Fortress Capitol Hill, United Roars of Approval (The Washington Post 9/21)
From President Bush, a Speech Filled With Assurance and Reassurance (The Washington Post 9/21)
Afghan Clerics Suggest Exit for Fugitive (The Washington Post 9/21)
Rumsfeld Might Change 'Infinite Justice' Name (The Washington Post 9/21)
Prepare for Casualties, Bush Says, While Asking Support of Nation (The New York Times 9/21)
Congress Joins In Support Of President (The New York Times 9/21)
Many Listeners Are Reassured By Tough Talk (The New York Times 9/21)
A Clear Message: 'I Will Not Relent' (The New York Times 9/21)
Without Evidence, Taliban Refuses to Turn Over bin Laden (The New York Times 9/21)
You may have to register to read New York Times stories. If you do not wish to register, login with username indianz.com and password indianz.com

Related Stories:
Bush sends forces overseas (9/20)
Hijackers were anyone, everyone (9/20)
Afghan clerics want bin Laden to leave (9/20)
Oneida Nation offers support (9/19)
One woman, One vote (9/19)
Meeting on bin Laden delayed (9/19)
Officials mull opening D.C. airport (9/19)
Bush condemns as Muslim attacks rise (9/18)
Domenici says spend, spend, spend (9/18)
Islamic clerics to decide on bin Laden (9/18)
Indian Country reaches out to aid victims (9/17)
McCaleb walks own trail of tears (9/14)
Osama bin Laden prime suspect (9/14)
Bush decries 'acts of war' (9/13)
'Quiet' at Interior after attacks (9/12)
World Trade Center, Pentagon attacked (9/11)