A sizable number of editorialists in other NATO and non-NATO countries--from across the ideological spectrum, but concentrated in more conservative outlets--also proclaimed that friends and allies must stand united with the U.S.  They stressed that nothing can justify terrorism, and that its destruction is imperative for the survival of democratic society.  Several in Copenhagen, Pristina and elsewhere emphasized that Europe especially must not hesitate, seeing this as an opportunity to reciprocate America's effort and sacrifice in two European world wars and the recent Balkan crises.  In Vienna, leading Die Presse also pointed out that "even neutral countries" must take sides and "not stand in the way of NATO units traveling their territory and airspace."  Many other commentators--mostly appearing in liberal to centrist dailies--were more intent on advising caution, warning that simple "revenge" on the part of America would not be the proper answer to terrorism.  A few pundits in Bulgaria and Greece held that certain U.S. policies--above all else--were responsible for sealing the country's fate as a terrorist target.

Notably, in Russia, leading non-official papers stressed the need for "concerted action" between Russia and the West in establishing a "common anti-terrorist front."

MIDEAST:  The Israeli media debate indicated that Israel, in order to protect its own interests, will remain on the sidelines of the global terrorism fight now being spearheaded by the U.S.  One liberal-leaning daily judged that "a cease-fire combined with a dialogue" with the Palestinians would best serve U.S. objectives at the moment.  Right-wing media, however, remained strongly opposed to resuming the dialogue.   Arab dailies paired their denunciations of terrorism with assertions that U.S. policies have inspired "hatred" of the superpower.  There were, nevertheless, a few supportive pieces.  A pro-government Egyptian paper determined that "rational American voices" are assessing the reasons why people are so aggrieved at the U.S.

SOUTH ASIA:  Pakistani opinion columns reflected the international, regional and domestic pressures on General Musharraf.  A majority expressed qualified support for U.S./Pakistan anti-terrorist cooperation.  They asserted that "Pakistan should help the U.S. [only] after being certain about the perpetrators" and argued that "phrases like 'Muslims were involved' should be avoided."  A significant minority of Pakistani editorials, however, were stridently sectarian, blaming Jewish and Hindu propaganda for singling out Osama Bin Laden as a suspect.  These critics identified U.S. foreign policy as the root cause of terrorism.  Indian commentary approved the Indian PM's offering "unconditional cooperation to the U.S. in the fight against international terrorism" and argued that "a comprehensive worldwide security paradigm is needed to eliminate terrorism."

EAST ASIA:  Australian editorials stood behind PM Howard's "no ifs, ands or buts" commitment to the U.S., noting that Canberra follows NATO's lead in the fight against "shadowy organizations that threaten all civilized peoples."  Japanese columns confirmed Tokyo's obligation to "do whatever it can to help the U.S. find those responsible and bring them to justice," but one writer asserted that it was also Japan's duty to "tell the U.S...about the futility of military retaliation."  Beijing media, awaiting the formulation of an official editorial stance, provided scant commentary on the attacks.  Independent and pro-PRC papers in Hong Kong agreed that "action is vital," but urged the U.S. to "avoid acting hastily or out of a desire for revenge."  Scattered East Asian editorials worried that the WTC tragedy might tip the global economy into recession.

AFRICA:  The U.S. was asked to use "restraint" in any retaliation.  Most saw this as America's hour to galvanize the world against a common threat rather than exacerbate religious, racial and economic differences.  The Durban-based independent Mercury cautioned that it is important to emphasize that the world coalition which is forming against terrorism "is exactly that and not some kind of crusade against the Arab/Islamic world."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE:  Galvanized by a collective outrage that the attack on the U.S. was an act of "global terror" and an attack against "all democratic forces," the vast majority of observers--from Canada to Chile--drove home the message that the "perpetrators must pay."  The assault raised awareness that "dangerous complacency can no longer be tolerated."  Voicing the prevailing call to arms, Ottawa's conservative National Post declared: "We live next to a great country.  It is time to defend it."  Writers in Guatemala and Panama believed that "the attacks will only strengthen America's will."  Speaking for those advocating a response based on absolute justice, "not revenge," Buenos Aires' daily-of-record La Nacion affirmed that "all nations must express...their full determination to cooperate in the urgent task of putting an end to such criminal madness."  Many analysts shuddered at the long-term economic consequences and others spoke in apocalyptic language that a "World War" had started and that "no one will escape the effects."   A handful of extreme views denouncing U.S. policies emerged in leftist papers in Uruguay and in the official Cuban media.  Of note, a Havana commentator railed: "You can't put an end to terrorism as long as the state-sponsored terrorism of the U.S. continues its genocide against the Palestinian people and...its hegemonic imposition on the rest of the world."

EDITORS:  Katherine Starr, Gail Burke, Stephen Thibeault, Irene Marr, Diana McCaffrey

EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 186 editorials from 60 countries, September 12-14.

Editorial excerpts from each country are listed from the most recent date.

EUROPE

BRITAIN:  "The Day The World Changed"

The independent weekly Economist said in its cover story (9/13):  "The appalling atrocities of September 11th—acts that must be seen as a declaration of war not just on America but on all civilized people—were crueller in conception and even more shocking than what happened in Hawaii....  This week has changed America, and with it the world, once again....  Counter-terrorism, depending as it does on the pooling of information, also requires international cooperation, something which Bush has, at a minimum, failed to emphasize in his approach to foreign policy.  The United States has had good reason in the past to be skeptical about the value of some of its alliances and commitments....  Without doubt, when it comes to international terrorism, a new spirit of common resolve is indispensable.  America’s Allies in NATO have proclaimed their willingness to stand up and be counted by invoking...Article 5....  The symbolism of the gesture is everything one could wish.  Now America must demand, and receive, the tangible support it implies.  Lastly comes the question which is uppermost in most minds, the most treacherous question of all—that of retaliation.  The problem is not merely that the American authorities still seem unsure who is to blame....  But if it does turn out to be bin Laden, that by itself will not give the answer to the question: 'How much force in reply?'...  The strategy—easier said than done, to put it mildly—must be to make friends with opponents who are capable of reason, while moving firmly against those who are both incapable of it and willing to resort to, or assist in, acts such as those seen this week. The response of America and its allies should not be timid, but it should be measured."

"With One Voice"

An editorial in the conservative Times read (9/14):  "This was never an American catastrophe but always the world's....  We are all counter-terrorists now.  That cannot be repeated too often by the politicians we trust to defend our freedoms.  And they will need to muster all their eloquence because this will be a war of attrition, costly, long and full of risk, against fanatics within the gates....  Bush called this yesterday the first war of the 21st century; but support can leech rapidly away from wars that cannot securely be said to be over--as wars against terrorism by definition cannot be....  It is essential to preserve the freedom to act of the United States and its close Allies....  Much will be expected of America's friends--and not only of its friends.  The world divides after this tremendous event into two camps, with no possibility of neutrality, no middle way, between them....  To have declared this attack to be an attack on all--thus entitling the United States to material as well as moral support in the military actions on which it decides--is thus to acknowledge reality as well as to fulfill the duty of solidarity.  It was unfortunate that a British foreign secretary should have chosen, as Jack Straw did yesterday, to give the impression that Article 5 could also, because of the requirements for consultation that NATO coordination implies, act as a constraint on America....  But reining Washington in is the last thing America's closest Ally should be suggesting."

"Shoulder To Shoulder"

The conservative Daily Telegraph editorialized (9/14):  "The prime minister should leave the nation in no doubt about the gravity of the task facing the United States and its Allies.  It is bringing to justice those who carried out the heinous crimes against so many innocent people, and holding to account those governments that may have backed them....  The war against terrorism will be a long haul, as Colin Powell...has warned us.... 

"In that protracted struggle, Britain, as America's closest Ally, will have a pivotal role in keeping the Europeans to the commitment they took on Wednesday....  Bush has picked up the gauntlet.  In the House of Commons today, the (British) government must prepare the country for what it will take to stand firm beside him."

"A United Front"

An editorial in the independent Financial Times held (9/14):  "America's allies stand united in shock.  In response to Tuesday's attack, NATO has for the first time in its 52-year history, invoked its mutual defense commitment....  NATO's decision is a hugely important statement of collective resolve.  But translating a declaration of solidarity into military support and diplomatic loyalty over the longer term will be more difficult.  An operation under the auspices of NATO would be run jointly by the Alliance's members.  The United States may prefer the flexibility of leading a campaign with NATO support.  At the very least that would imply intelligence and logistical help.  Allies with crucial strategic assets, such as Britain and Turkey, will find it difficult to refuse.  In return, however, the United States should offer consultation over any military action.  The United States needs to look further than the other 18 members of NATO.  In particular, the United States should involve Russia....  Washington must also win over as many governments as possible in the Middle East, particularly Egypt and Jordan."

"Bush's New World Order"

The liberal Guardian editorialized (9/14):  "In seeking to forge a global, U.S.-led coalition to prosecute an all-out war on terorrism, Bush and his officials are saying, in effect, that there are no neutrals any more.  This paramount, 'monumental struggle' demands unswerving commitment from Allies, friends and the non-aligned alike.  In foreshadowing an open-ended military and diplomatic offensive, Powell plainly expects unquestioning cooperation from all countries, great and small.  This blunt message to all and sundry is: now we cut the crap.  You are either for us or against us....  These propositions demand urgent scrutiny--for despite Bush's initial caution, here is the looming, daunting prospect of superpower unleashed, of Prometheus unbound....  Is the United States now justified in demanding unstinting support?  Yes, but that support cannot be unthinking too.  It is incumbent upon Bush to define the threat he would eradicate and the scope of the measures he might employ.  The options in the shadowy world he is about to enter range from a full-scale, Gulf war-style mobilisation against Afghanistan to aerial attacks and special forces incursions.   In prospect too, perhaps, is a return to Reagan era covert operations, snatch squads. Secret funds., state subversion and even politican assassination....  That NATO, the UN, G-8 and the EU have rallied to America's banner is only right....  But international institutions, like governments, have a broader duty in the dangerous days ahead to deflect and mitigate the wilder lunges of this wounded superpower."

FRANCE:  "Closing Ranks"

Pierre Rousselin commented in right-of-center Le Figaro (9/14):  "The horror is such that the answer of the civilized world must be exemplary.  The irrevocable decision must be guided by a single imperative: never again. George W. Bush is right when he declares 'war' against a new terrorism without limits.  As we stand in solidarity with the people of America, we leave the choice of words to their president.  This concerns us all, and democracies at large need to close ranks....  Europe stands by the United States, and for the first time the Atlantic Alliance has invoked Article 5....  The new coalition taking shape in NATO mirrors the one that saw the light under Bush Senior against Saddam Hussein... Today's NATO is a totally new NATO....  Even Russia...is ready to join in....  If we want to have the slightest chance of succeeding, every effort must be made to enroll the support of the Arab world to approve our choices and to join with the West."

"Solidarity And Its Flaws"

Jacques Amalric held in left-of-center Liberation (9/14): "Solidarity is not something that can be decreed....  Is the solidarity adopted in Brussels by NATO members made of steel or paper?  Will it survive the inevitable reprisal that Washington will launch?  All will depend on how the U.S. acts: solidarity requires (exchange) of information and cooperation.  It is up to the United States to provide its partners with timely and credible proof of the accusations it will inevitably make against one or more terrorist organizations, maybe against one or more states.  The United States will also need to involve its partners in high-level consultations when it comes to choosing targets....  Is there any chance that President Bush will follow these guidelines?  We hope so....   Nevertheless, his first eight months in office and his pathetic confusion during the first moments of the attacks indicate that he needs to make an effort to become a true U.S. president and define a doctrine of presence for his country in world issues, far from indecision and unilateralism....   This is not to say that the Twin Towers would be standing today if the U.S. had been more involved in the Middle East....  For Islamic extremists, destroying Israel is only a first course, to be followed by the subversion of all democratic regimes....  This is why the destruction of downtown Manhattan is a warning to us all and why we are all New Yorkers short of being Americans... The temptation to keep a low profile in order to protect one's own major capitals...is already being talked about from Beijing to Moscow and Algiers.  Europe's imperfect democracies should think twice before giving in to temptation."

"Listening To Reason"

Claude Cabanes argued in communist L'Humanite (9/14):  "There is no doubt that the apostles of terror must be found, neutralized and judged.  But there is also no doubt that the logic of war serving blind vengeance could add even more to the catastrophe.  Any military initiative that could be taken to be a war waged by the North against the South, the rich against the poor, the West against Islam would have unimaginable consequences.  Even in the midst of its pain and horror, the American people are able to understand this."

GERMANY:  "An Appropriate Reaction"

National radio station Deutschlandfunk of Cologne (9/14) aired the following commentary by Rainer Burchardt:  "The decision of NATO's Council is, for the time being, a necessary and reasonable decision which the United States rightfully expected from the NATO Allies.  No more, but also no less. The United States must know that it can count on its Allies....  But the Americans should also assess this reasonable and diplomatic reaction of the Alliance as a signal of an appropriate reaction.  In addition, this all gives reason for hope that a new strategy will be found that will be based on good political judgment, clarity and unmistakable toughness to reject this new variety of terrorism."

"To Support The U.S."

Jochen Spengler commented on national radio station DeutschlandRadio of Berlin (9/14): "To support the United States need not mean to back unconditionally and without any criticism all its activities....  The limit should be where the Americans mix up their justified wish to find the perpetrators  to prevent new attacks with the understandable urge to take blind revenge."

"Circumspection And Sound Judgment"

Siegmund Gottlieb commented on ARD-TV's (national channel one) late evening newscast Tagesthemen (9/14):  "We hope for circumspection  and a sound judgment.  The U.S. president and his advisors are now shouldering an enormous responsibility...."

"Coalitions"

Klaus-Dieter Frankenberger judged in center-right Frankfurter Allgemeine (9/14):  "Because Islamic terrorism is a monstrous reality, however, and because its financial and logistical supply lines reach into states whose governments are 'officially' U.S. allies, Arab and Islamic states must credibly aid in fighting terrorism.  Mere declarations of abhorrence for what happened on September 11 will not suffice....  Pakistan can be both a lever to remove neighboring Afghanistan's patronage of Osama Bin Laden and also a base for further operations.  This would be an essential part of a broad anti-terror strategy.  But Washington must also make clear to the Persian Gulf states...that financing terrorism or tolerating such financing must end."

"Time To Take A Stance"

Stefan Kornelius observed in center-left Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (9/14):  "More is needed than a military concept in the fight against highly mobile terrorist groups.  That is why the United States is making sure it has plenty of political support....  The fight against terrorist groups...will be fought on political, economic, diplomatic, and military levels.  If successful, this fight will force back religious and political fundamentalism....  However, the risks are enormous.  The radicalization in the Arab world may grow as well as the willingness to confront the West.  Nevertheless, the United States and NATO must not shy away from this problem.  Otherwise restraint will be interpreted as cowardice and provoke new attacks....  Gestures of humility in the Arab world...reflect an a sense of reality that the United States needs to take advantage of.  Now is the time for coalition-building, the time for decisions:  Anyone who wants to maintain relations with the United States...cannot provide refuge for mass murderers and supporters of terrorism."

"Dangerous Blank Check"

Martin Winter maintained in an editorial in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau (9/14): "NATO

has made a dangerous decision in order to demonstrate its solidarity.  It created a link between the justified political rhetoric about a 'war against civilization' and a real war.  But what kind of war are we talking about?  Against who?...  Article 5 guarantees a member country under attack assistance against the attacker, and it rests on the assumption that both the attacked and the attacker are known.  As long is this is not the case, NATO should have been more careful in avoiding a blank check that, in a worst-case scenario, could lead to a war following U.S. retaliatory logic....  Even if NATO's decision was meant only as a symbolic gesture, it still leads in the wrong direction in the fight against terrorism.  It feeds the illusion that terrorism in general and its modern suicidal version in particular can be fought by military means....  It distracts from the fact that the fight against international terrorism requires plenty of intelligence, patience, imagination, and political skill.  Anyone who wants to rid the world of terror must not only capture terrorist leaders and groups but also has to shut off its political, social, and financial sources."

ITALY:  "Sorrow And Punishment"

Franco Venturini's editorial in Milan's centrist, top-circulation Corriere della Sera's (9/14) front page opined:  "This time, Osama bin Laden shot himself on the foot....  At the cost of a dreadful bloodshed and of a real global vulnerability, a sentiment of solidarity that is widely overcoming rhetoric, has sprung throughout the West....  America cannot help attacking, even though President Bush promised patience and investigations first....  Some Allies will likely participate, the bases in Italy will likely be useful.  However, what really counts is that...initial solidarity...would not somehow fade....  Europe and America must show themselves united in the time of sorrow as well as of punishment."

"A New Alliance Of Values"

Mario Pirani opines on the front page of left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (9/13):  "We don't believe that it will be possible to defeat the current terrorist offensive by intervening only on the military level.... Only politics--and the reaffirmation of our cultural roots--can lead to a successful strategy. First of all, we should continue to be aware of the fact that democracy, even when it is threatened and attacked, should increase its strength, but not at the expense of its own nature."

"It Is Necessary To Identify Enemy Before Declaring War"

Former Italian ambassador to Washington Boris Biancheri wrote in centrist, influential La Stampa (9/13):  "I believe that an American military reaction will be inevitable and that perhaps it will be huge.  But such reaction will have to have a very high degree of certainty about who is behind the attacks and who, and to which extent, was an accomplice, if the United States wants that the word 'war' take on its full and dramatic meaning also among its Allies."

"The Political Consequences Of The War"

An editorial in provocative, classical liberal Il Foglio read (9/13): "The American and Western response...will not be just an isolated reprisal with an immediate impact, but a campaign....  Italy, and Europe, will have to give up the small and big connivances stemming from the natural selfishness of states, from the temptation to make a pact with the devil in order to preserve one's territory from terrorist or war acts, and to get away from an Atlantic embrace considered to be too suffocating. The party is over."

RUSSIA:  "The World Has Become Less Safe"

Andrey Fyodorov stated on page one of centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (9/14):  "The U.S. tragedy has changed the world.  The new questions it has put on the agenda require global answers....  America's vulnerability, a lesson for some, may become an incentive for others.  One thing is clear--in the next few decades we will have to learn to live with terrorism as an everyday reality.  The world is beginning to realize that national borders are no longer a serious obstacle for anyone with plans against a country or a group of countries.  In this technological age, the stability and security of each state increasingly depends on the stability and security of other states."

"Fighting Terrorism Calls For Interaction"

Aleksey Malashenko said in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (9/14):  "The United States should in the first place foster cooperation with Israel and augment ties with Russia and possibly India and other countries.  Nobody will refuse to cooperate since similar attacks might have happened in Moscow or New Delhi.  Fighting terrorism calls for concerted action.  Finding ourselves in a new world, we have yet to learn to live in it.  Every civilized nation, as it takes care of itself, should extend a helping hand to other nations."

"Everybody's Willing To Help"

Boris Volkhonskiy pointed out in reformist business-oriented Kommersant (9/14):  "Practically all of the civilized world is willing to help the United States fight terrorism.  As they seek to set up a coalition whose scale is without precedent, the Americans have mobilized their allies in NATO and secured favorable neutrality from Russia, India and China."

"Chance for Moscow to Get Closer With West"

According to Yevgeniy Vasilyev in reformist Vremya MN (9/14):  "Now is a chance for Moscow really to 'get closer' with the West as a whole and with the United States in particular. 

"Joining a common anti-terrorist front, unless it is a temporary campaign, will objectively cause us to take stock of our foreign-policy and defense doctrines.  Throwing away our great-power blinders, we will see that what really threatens us is not the West, NATO's enlargement or the EU, not even the notorious NMD."

"All You Get Is Moral Satisfaction"

Semyon Novoprudskiy noted in reformist Izvestiya (9/14): "There is no strictly military solution to the problem of transnational terrorism.  So all a retaliatory strike will bring the Americans and a sympathetic part of the world is moral satisfaction."

"Retribution Must Be Prompt"

Neo-communist weekly Slovo editorialized (9/14): "Retribution must be prompt....  Needless to say, terrorism has become truly international, without borders.  So to eradicate it, we need to act internationally, too."

BELGIUM:  "NATO, Others Send Strong Signal"

Chief editor Pierre Lefevre offered this view in a front-page editorial in left-of-center Le Soir (9/14):  "Before initiating any action, the American president seems to create a vast coalition of countries to fight terrorism. This shows that the United States, struck in its heart, does not withdraw into itself, but that, on the contrary, it wants international cooperation and that it remains committed in world affairs.  One will rejoice at this.  NATO countries have also sent a strong signal....  The Atlantic Alliance's first reason for being, i.e., the automatic American solidarity with Europe, is now reversed.  It is already being appreciated in the United States.  Other countries have joined this new alliance against terrorism, like Russia.  It is also a strong signal, a global political response to the threat....  But if justice must be done, with force and determination in order to prevent further attacks, this is not about revenge.  Responding with blind or disproportionate violence would precisely play into the terrorists' hands.  One should pick the right enemy, and avoid creating new ones. And one must do so according to international law."

'We All Feel For Civilized People"

Philippe Paquet observed in independent La Libre Belgique (9/14): "Belgian Prime Minister Verhofstadt stated that 'we all feel American.'...  We should, indeed, feel American if this means that, together with the United States, but not under their tutelage, we will hunt down all terrorists, keeping with the rules of the civilized world--i.e., by taking the time to find out the truth, to identify the culprits, and to punish them according to the law, and recognizing that military action is the very last option to use with political regimes, organizations, or individuals which have chosen to outlaw themselves from civilization.  On the contrary, we should not 'feel American' if this means servilely following the United States in adventures resulting from policies which were decided in Washington, without any consultation, by rulers who never felt otherwise than American."

"Attack Against Our Values"

Diplomatic correspondent Mia Doornaert opined in independent Catholic De Standaard (9/13):  "Believing that the bloodbath in the United States would not have taken place if that country had made a better effort for the peace process in the Middle East is a very superficial interpretation of that attack.  The hatred against America is not based so much on what it does but on what it is....  That hatred is rooted to a large extent in the envy of its wealth and power and in hostility vis-a-vis its indestructible dynamism and feeling that it has a mission....  In contrast to Islam....  America's influence is not based on armed conquest, but on the aura of its 'way of life'--which is founded on its economic strength and the attractiveness of its culture.

"America's popular culture is a powerful tool against authoritarian regimes....  The European NATO countries cannot but show solidarity with the United States.  That does not mean, of course, that they must follow the United States blindly.  It is much too early to carry out military countermeasures--insofar those can be justified.  But, it is not too early to express solidarity for our love of freedom."

"As a Belgian, I Feel Ashamed"

Chief commentator Luc Van der Kelen held in conservative Het Laatste Nieuws (9/14):  "The Americans now know their friends: Belgium is in the second group--those who are friends with certain conditions....  When a nation that has twice sacrificed tens of thousands of its own citizens to save us from the oppressor asks to stand by its side, a real ally does not answer: 'wait a minute, not so quick, we do not want to run risks.'  That is the answer of a chicken, not to say a coward.  When your best ally is mourning over thousands of deaths, one must not say in a reproachful tone: 'are you sure that you didn't seek it yourself?'  What happened in New York and Washington is too horrible to ask such a question.  It is the negation of our values, our life in freedom and security, and our respect for human dignity....  When your best friend asks for your help at such a moment you do not answer with reservation and conditions.  You give your help unconditionally.... This was not a request to start shooting blindly at anything that moves.  It was a signal from President Bush that he does not want to isolate his country, but, on the contrary, that he is willing to act with consultation--like his father during the Gulf war ten years ago....  Belgium's reservation did not go unnoticed by American diplomats and CEOs....  The prime minister is aware of the problem.  He has tried to repair the damage in parliament by making a firm statement and expressing his solidarity....  As a Belgian, I feel ashamed that that had to happen."

SPAIN:  "A Grand Coalition Against Terrorism"

Left-of-center El Pais said (9/14):  "Bush is preparing a grand coalition against terrorism….  It is essential for the President to manage the conflict skillfully: this is not the Gulf War to free Kuwaiti territory….  Numerous Arab countries have expressed their solidarity with Washington.  There is a great distance, though, between this and providing Bush with support for any kind of response....  International expressions of solidarity must lead the U.S. back to multilateralism and end its acting...as a Lone Ranger....  The retaliation cannot become a crusade that overflows the boundaries of the fight against terrorism....  Rather than a war, the U.S. along with the international coalition must conduct a global police action of enormous proportions even though it could mean the removal of some regimes that have worked together with the terrorists."

"A Different NATO"

Conservative ABC wrote (9/14):  "NATO’s responsibility is to respond appropriately to the new requirements necessary for world peace and to aim at eradicating a terrorism which is genocidal and fundamentally totalitarian.…  It is a matter of proclaiming with a loud voice and protecting with legitimate force that which terror is seeking to destroy: democracy and freedom, the foundations on which the most civilized nations of the world are built."

"For A Concerted Response Under Parliamentary Control"

Independent El Mundo observed (9/14):  "Bush said yesterday he was to lead the international response against terrorism.  If he really wants to act with moral, political, judicial and legitimate authority in his the response to the brutal attack the United States has suffered, he is obliged to listen to the governments from whom he has requested support and solidarity.  That is the only way to avoid the risk of a military response that goes beyond what prudence and justice demand.  Bush and his Allies must be of one accord in the final decision.  On this depends present and future world peace."

"Target:  Afghanistan"

Centrist La Vanguardia remarked (9/14):  "The United States is entitled to respond to the aggression, as doubtless any other country would do.  The problem is how.  Such a war would not be a conventional conflict and terrorism exists in other countries than Afghanistan.  NATO’s support of the United States is based on logical self-defense.  But that is only the first step.  The United States must achieve--and this is what its diplomacy is intensely committing itself to do--the greatest possible international consensus, including Russia’s blessings, before taking action.  Terrorism is a global threat in a world that must be led by the rule of law.  The fight, though, needs to have the right aim.  Haste can bring about the opposite effect than the one wished for."

AUSTRIA:  "Friends And Enemies"

Chief editor Andreas Unterberger stated in centrist Die Presse (9/14):  "Even neutral countries will no longer be able to swindle their way through....  Austria can no longer afford the policy of pinpricks it resorted to in 1999, when it stood in the way of NATO units traveling through Austrian territory and airspace.  Whoever believes that there is still room for playing games of neutrality, is risking a lot more than just loosing the goodwill Austria has gained with forced labor compensation programs."

"Europe's Mission For America"

Foreign affairs writer Josef Kirchengast opined in liberal Der Standard (9/14): "If NATO really is a community of democratic values, it has to act accordingly....  Clearly, the Europeans cannot prevent a US military operation, even if they consider it counterproductive....  With their declaration of solidarity, however, the European NATO countries took the right decision only at first glance....  In truth they are facing a dilemma. If they opt for passive solidarity (opening of their air space for U.S. operations, logistic support) they lose the opportunity to influence the nature and the course of the operation. Should they actively participate in a policy of putting one's foot down, they would abandon a comprehensive security concept."

BULGARIA:  "The World's Paradigm Has Changed"

Leftist Republika (9/14) has the following op-ed:  "The West should start negotiating with the rest of the world and  give up its efforts to impose its values on it, because it is facing one  barbaric threat--large scale terrorism. The United States and its allies should regard terrorism not as a reason for the global insecurity but as a result  of the New World Order imposed by them." 

"The Usual Suspects" 

Center-right Dnevnik held (9/14):  "The United States has to respond  immediately and it has to respond in its capacity as the only superpower  in the world.  It has to use its whole capacity against Afghanistan, Iraq,  Iran, Libya, and Sudan, in this order and--now.  These five countries are  the usual suspects and as we know the usual suspects usually turn out to  be the usual perpetrators."

CROATIA:   “Morals And Security”

Mass-circulation Vecernji List carried a commentary by Milan Ivkosic (9/14):  “Terrorists are murdering innocent people through moral cracks in the Western world, which also serve as security cracks.  It is exactly the mass murder of the innocent which gives Americans the right to revenge, but the future security of America and the Western world will be larger as these moral cracks are smaller.   Christian civilization can defend itself only with its adjective--without it, it isn’t what the name says it is.”

CZECH REPUBLIC:  "We Are At War"

Lubos Palata wrote in economic Hospodarske noviny ( 9/14):  "We are in the same boat and the boat has been hit.  The United States was attacked in a manner equaling declaration of war. Therefore, the war also declared to the Czech Republic. At the time when we joined NATO, no one would imagine that we would help an assaulted United States. It is more than our duty; it is our only hope for survival. ... We are at war, the strangest war ever declared.  The only strength of our enemy is that he can hide well.  Therefore, he cannot be defeated unless the whole civilized world unites against him. ...  Going to war is not easy and it is dangerous.  The attack against the United States has nevertheless shown that there is no such thing as a safe harbor.  The only thing we can do is to eliminate terrorism.  All of us are Americans in this fight".

"Attempt To 'Divide' Guilt Are Disgusting"

Tomas Marek commented in economic Hospodarske noviny (9/14):  "It is always the same, after each brutal action, after each tragedy.  Sooner or later, the horror begins to melt and erode. It will also happen now, after the worst terrorist attack in history.  It has even already started.  An intellectual might say that the two towers actually were not pretty.  That is a legitimate opinion but in a bad moment.  We are watching the process of 'redistribution' of guilt.  The issue of guilt will melt.  It will eventually look as if the World Trade Center could still exist if American financial centers and their billionaires had not been exploiting others (Arabs, for example). ... That's nonsense.  If we accept this, we accept the principles of communism imposed by revolutionary actions.   But that is not possible because the only way to satisfy the needs of an individual is democracy and free market.  It is clear that there is nothing to talk about".

"Level Of Distinction"

Martin Hekrdla wrote in left-of-center Pravo (9/14): "The sole conclusion made without discussion is definitely in the exceptionally uncertain situation after the terrorist attack against the U.S.: no guilt of global capitalism, no gods and their prophets and no revolutionary prospects can give anyone the right to physically eliminate thousands of people. People who simply live their lives at a given time, who work for a salary, and who have found themselves in a bad moment at a bad place. The fundamental truth about terrorism is the fact that it is unjustifiable. There is no cause that would justify criminal motives".

DENMARK:  "One For All"

Center-right Jyllands-Posten stated (9/14):  "Europeans must support the U.S. one hundred per cent.  No one had expected that Europe would suddenly be called upon to help the U.S. and not the other way around.  This is a test of our unity of purpose." 

"Solidarity"

Center-left Politiken commented (9/14):  "The United States must not feel that it is isolated at this time.  There must be no doubt about Europe's solidarity with America." 

FINLAND:   "Small Countries Will Find It Difficult"

Leading Independent Helsingin Sanomat editorialized (9/14):  "If the United States resorts to military strikes, it will probably carry them out alone or together with some 'friends.'  From other NATO countries, the Americans want primarily expressions of political solidarity and secondarily military or other material support.

"Invoking Article 5 in the fight against terrorism will, however, easily render, in terrorist eyes, all NATO members enemy countries and thus targets for strikes. In that situation, individual NATO countries, small countries in particular, will find it more or less impossible to project themselves as other than close allies of the United States."                  

"Against Revenge"

Liberal Swedish-language Hufvudstadsbladet opined (9/14):  "The rhetoric suggests that classic military action, including bombings, is being contemplated.  Terrorists understand quite well what revenge means; they expect it and would themselves take revenge in a similar situation. Revenge is the language they know best. But with their suicide attacks, the terrorists showed that they are totally immune to violent pressure. It does not make any sense to try to exert such pressure.  Both the Pope and Finland's Archbishop have warned against revenge. They are wise men. "

GREECE:  “After The Tragedy”

Writing in influential independent Kathimerini (9/14) commentator Stavros Lygeros said:  “Democratic countries have an obligation to enhance international cooperation and take the necessary measures to eradicate terrorism.  There is no excuse for the slaughter of innocent Americans, but the same applies in the case of innocent people around the globe.  It is not a coincidence that entire peoples are immersed in despair and hatred.  As long as millions of people live in such conditions, the hunger for revenge will become stronger, and the number of aspiring ‘martyrs’ will grow.  Tuesday’s mass crime proved that even the most advanced security systems stand unable to neutralize people who are willing to die.  The objective [of the US and the civilized world] should be to neutralize the causes of terrorism, which make terrorism attractive to people.  This is the only way to stop the fanatic criminals from appearing as ‘heroes’ in the eyes of angry Islamic masses.”

"Both The Mind And The Heart"

The lead commentary in conservative opposition Eleftheros Typos by chief editor George Kyrtsos read (9/13): "The United States is not the 'Big Satan' described by Islamic fundamentalists, but the most developed and strongest democracy in the world.  In recent years, however, it has fallen victim of its arrogance.  Its historic victory over communism turned it in the sole superpower and U.S. leadership decided that the struggle for the heart and mind of every inhabitant of the planet was an unnecessary luxury, a burden on the federal budget....  Initiatives are deployed without strategic planning, which are then supported by arguments offending our intelligence.  Massive terrorism is a threat that has been nourished by American mistakes and omissions.  To give an effective answer to terrorism, the United States has to fight a new battle for our heart and mind."

"The Only Response To Terrorism"

In its lead editorial, pro-government, anti-American Eleftherotypia said (9/12):  "The United States leadership must realize that the best reaction is that of democratization of the world order, respect for international law, abandonment of arbitrary behavior or the law of the sheriff.  The answer to terrorism is always more democracy for all the peoples of the planet."

HUNGARY:   "NATO Expresses Unity"

Top-circulation Nepszabadsag's Endre Aczel editorialized (9/14):  'U.S. President George W. Bush has set a direction to political thinking (and act) by applying the term ['war].  And the NATO Allies have gotten the signal. 

"The United States has almost 'forced out'  the application of NATO's 5th Clause, but the intention was probably nothing different from that of the NATO members:  to express through a 'collective demonstration' how serious they consider the situation to be after the terrorist attack, not only in the United States but also in their own countries, respectively."

ICELAND:   "Attack On One--Attack On All"  

Conservative Morgunbla=i= editorialized (9/13):  "Certainly, the odds of a terrorist attack in Iceland compared to the United States are slim, but it would be irresponsible and unwise to conclude that Icelandic territory and Icelandic passenger planes are safe against possible acts of terrorism, and that we need not be cautious.  We should check our defense systems and enforce heightened security measures where we deem it necessary. And just as we have our responsibilities towards our fellow members of NATO, we must expect them to help us in implementing and up-dating necessary defense equipment, whatever that may be.   NATO has been the shield for freedom, democracy and peace for more than half a century.  With its decision yesterday the alliance shows that the members stand united and the mutual defense agreement is an intricate part of the alliance, although the threat itself has changed.  Terrorist are getting the message loud and clear that their attacks on innocent civilians will not be tolerated and that the democracies of the world will unite against them.  

THE NETHERLANDS:  "Gulf War As A Model"

Influential, liberal De Volkskrant had this editorial (9/14): "It is important for Bush to find a balance between on the one hand the justified wish to hit back and on the other hand the necessity to find the real suspects and their supporters."

"Nightmare"

Conservative De Telegraaf has this editorial (9/12):  "A cowardly terrorist attack at totally innocent people that asks for tough revenge and that will be avenged....  No country can accept that the symbol of its power, the Pentagon, and the symbols of its prosperity, the World Trade Center, be attacked so mercilessly and without a warning by unscrupulous people.  America became a different country after such a harsh attack.  Once an open country that took in immigrants and refugees from all over, that stood by the world in wars against barbarians, the United States now threatens to turn inwards.  That is another reason why the world has the duty to show the United States and the Americans that they have many friends who are standing by them during these dreadful times."

NORWAY:  “NATO’s New Agenda Is The Fight Against Terrorism”

In the newspaper-of-record Aftenposten (9/14), Foreign Affairs Editor Nils Morten Udgaard commented:   "What awaits NATO now is the laborious task of defining what type of 'terrorism' will be covered by the Alliance’s commitments in the future.… Europe and the USA have moved closer together when now that 'reality' has broken into the diplomatic everyday.  Also the UN Security Council has given the United States support and shown it solidarity.   Statesmen have expressed themselves ‘correctly’ in Asia, Africa and Latin-America. But NATO is something else.  NATO is solid.  Even though the commitments from Wednesday’s evening meeting must still be confirmed before they are transferred into military actions, it is the core of alliance internal solidarity that is being tested. If it doesn’t pass, then NATO has been given the deathblow.  Then the world becomes something else.  Because then, the terrorists have won.”

“A World War Against An Unknown Enemy”

In social democratic Dagsavisen (9/14), Foreign Affairs Editor Erik Sagflaat commented:  “The United States has declared war, and has received full support from its allies and Russia.  Also China, India and Pakistan have gathered in the fight against terrorism.…  Only with an effort that is purposely aimed against the truly guilty and their supporters can an adequate broad understanding be built for the initiatives that are necessary.  There is also the premise that the fight will be won, and not lead to more terrorism acts.… The war against terrorism can no longer be avoided.  But we must do it such a way that we do not lose the democratic values that we truly desire to defend.”

“The War Against Terrorism”

Independent Dagbladet (9/14) commented:  “We support the decision in the NATO Council, but first and foremost, as an expression of full political support to the U.S. authorities and the American people in this situation, and not as a full power of attorney to large war actions with unknown consequences.… The terrorists shall not succeed in undermining constitutional government and our free, democratic societies.”

POLAND:  "Time To Pay The Debt"

Maciej Rybinski wrote in centrist Rzeczpospolita (9/14):  "For more than five decades of NATO history, its members have felt secure.  It was, first of all, thanks to the power and the protective umbrella of the United States. NATO was strong with the might-not only in the military sense-of the United Sates....  Alliances such as NATO are not made only for good and bright days.  It is quite the opposite.  Europe owes to America and it must now pay the debt."

PORTUGAL:  "Disconcerting Bush

Associate editor Lufs Miguel Viana held in influential, center-left Público (9/13):  "Instead of putting himself down on paper as the president of an empire suffering the inevitable attacks of those excluded from its immense power--after all, those monsters it created itself--Bush tried to play the role of guardian of Western civilization, of democratic regimes, of virtues and civil liberties.  He didn't do too badly....  We cannot help but salute his political instincts--and the moderation with which, in the first hours, he reacted to America's worst crisis in recent decades.  We hope that in the coming days his decisions fit the same paradigm."

"The Wars Of The 21st Century"

Column by opposition Social Democratic Party European Parliament member JosT Pacheco Pereira ininfluential, center-left Público (9/13):  "This attack proves the Americans right in their preoccupations over security, so often ridiculed by Europeans.  The Americans know that they are targets of a multitude of enemies who don't lift a finger against Europe while keeping the United States as their preferred objective....  They know that if there are movements in these areas in missile systems, biological, chemical or nuclear weaponry, it will be against them (and Israel) that all this is prepared and will be launched.  And, facing a careless and slack Europe, dependent upon the U.S. for its defense but not disposed to show complete solidarity with them, they know that they can only count on themselves.  It would be nice if this changed."

"The Challenges Of Freedom"

Editorial by editor-in-chief Mário Bettencourt Resendes in respected moderate-left Diário de Notfcias (9/13): "Yesterday's attack cannot go unanswered.... [But] the credibility and effectiveness of a global action will be, under any circumstances, much superior to a solitary American action.  The new Bush Administration has here an excellent opportunity to turn around the isolationist tone that does not benefit Western understanding.... The vulnerability of free societies has become too exposed for there not to now appear authoritarian temptations....  Strengthening the mechanisms of collective defense, namely the effectiveness of itelligence services, while preserving public liberties--that is the tremendous challenge facing us."

SLOVENIA:  "The Weaker Strike Harder"

Left-of-center Delo (9/13) opined in a front page editorial:  "The enemy will be punished; a total destruction is the only proper punishment for the demolition [done in New York and Washington].  But who is the enemy?  For the good of the world it is to be hoped that the enemy will be discovered soonest, and that the right one will be found and brought to justice without mistakes.  An old military wisdom says that one must pretend to be weak when one is strong, and [vice versa].  The Americans pretend to be strong when they are strong; at a moment of weakness, they will want to demonstrate the most terrifying power.  But they must find out who to strike against.... The attackers were intelligent. They have hit the centers of U.S. military and economic power and then become invisible.  No one has assumed responsibility...  Terrorists do not usually behave like this.  This time, ... the deeds spoke for themselves. S uch silence is typical of professional militaries during wars....  The list of potential attackers is long, and they are scattered through half of the world. A war with half of the world would be ugly and not too wise.... It is evident now that the United States has an enemy; if not a smart one, certainly a very skillful one. The best thing for all of us would be that he is given an intelligent answer.  Weak America is considerably less attractive than a strong one."

SWEDEN:  "A United World Against Terrorism"

Liberal Dagens Nyheter held (9/14):  "To now build another coalition to fight terrorism would be to take another step forward. It would be to make it absolutely clear that terrorism is a threat to all of us, and the fight against it therefore is the responsibility of all of us who want to live a decent life."

"Shoulder To Shoulder"

Social Democratic Stockholm tabloid Aftonbladet editorialized (9/14):  "The terrorist attacks are legally and morally comparable with the slaughter of civilians in Srebrenica and the Rwanda civil war. In both cases those responsible have been accused of genocide. The responsible for Tuesday's terrorist attack must in reason be judged on the same scale. And be accordingly punished."

TURKEY:  “Something Behind It”

Fehmi Koru wrote in pro-Islamic Yeni Safak (9/14): “Those who believe democracy is a luxury for the Muslim world, and that human rights can be disregarded under the threat of terrorism, now have stronger trump cards.  The message that sensitivity on the issues of democracy and human rights is unnecessary is being conveyed to Europe via U.S. …  However, we must be highly suspicious when we see events developing against the Islamic world, except for those that produce apocalyptic scenarios.  The identity of pawns is not important, what matters is who is the author of this heinous plan.” 

“NATO-U.S. Solidarity”

Hasan Unal wrote in intellectual/conservative Zaman (9/14):  “If the U.S., instead of merely struggling with terrorists, launches a strategy of fighting with those political structures bent on producing terrorism, it will need comprehensive regional cooperation with Turkey.  For that, the U.S. must abandon its Clinton-era strategy of providing support to those view points which oppose Turkey on issues like Cyprus.  Again, if it continues the policy of blocking Turkey because of groups in Congress supporting fanatical Greeks and Armenians, a comprehensive policy of combating terrorism cannot be implemented.”

"If Not Opposing, You Are Partners"

Mehmet Yilmaz commented in mass-appeal Milliyet (9/13):  "Whether in the U.S., Kenya, Turkey, or Palestine, those who do not oppose terrorism must know that they are partners in a huge crime against  humanity."

"Total War" 

Okay Gonensin held in mass-appeal Sabah (9/13):  "The only way to eliminate feelings of mistrust and horror that is prevailing in the United States and West is severe punishment of the enemy; the U.S. administration has got to declare war." 

"World No More The Same"

In the view of Semih Idiz in the tabloid Star (9/13):  "Turkey, having suffered a lot from terrorism, must side with the United States; such attacks may target Turkey as well in future." 

YUGOSLAVIA (KOSOVO):  "God Bless America"

The leading independent newspaper Koha Ditore had this editorial comment (9/14): "More than ever the old song that Americans are proud of is not about them only. 48 hours after the horrible attack it seems that the world has discovered new values that were unknown to date.  For the first time the pain is a real pain, regardless of ethnicity or borders.  For the first time the whole planet comes united in one conclusion: that the September 11 attack was not against a certain country or nation but against the values of a society.  Against a society that is democratic, free and open.  Against a society of competition and respect for the rules of the game.  Against a system that (which albeit not perfect) is undoubtedly the best one the mankind has known of until now.  Therefore the old American song named 'God Bless America' could be translated quite well as 'God bless the responsible societies of this planet.'  This is a slogan about more than America, it is about the world's future."

MIDEAST

ISRAEL:  "Stay Clear Of The Elephants' Path!"

Senior columnist and long-time peace campaigner Yoel Marcus wrote in independent Ha'aretz (9/14): "When America focuses on a certain topic, no power on earth can stop it.... The United

States has now entered a stage in which it will display no patience whatsoever toward terrorism and will conduct its own survey to determine who is on its side and who is on the side of the terrorists....  PA Chairman Yasser Arafat will have to decide which side he is on: good or evil.  Israel will be shown more understanding for its own struggle against terrorism; however, with the campaign against terrorism being led by the United States, Israel would be making a grave mistake if it were to try to act like a maverick and think it could do whatever it pleased in the war against terror.  The only option as far as the Palestinians and the Israelis are concerned is a cease-fire combined with a dialogue. This is certainly no time for anybody to be in the elephants' path."

"Isolate Arafat"

Conservative, independent Jerusalem Post editorialized (9/14): "Israel has one, supreme, interest at this time--to make the world understand that it is fighting the same evil empire of terror that attacked the United States.  It cannot be taken for granted that this is understood....  Why would Israel's foreign minister, at the very moment that much of the world has finally been forced to understand what Israel is contending with, help Arafat out of the quicksand of isolation that is enveloping him?...

"Israel should be at the forefront of those who argue that there is nothing inevitable about state terrorism continuing to be part of the landscape of international relations.  But Israel cannot make this argument if it continues to live in the world that existed before September 11, a world in which terrorists were talked with rather than fought."

"Strike Terrorism To The Bitter End"

Nationalist Hatzofe editorialized (9/14):  "Here is a very serious mistake: instead of including the head of the PLO in the list of terrorist groups, for some reason Washington and Jerusalem have hastened to resume the talks with a man who is one of the founding fathers of terrorism on the international arena and whose hands are tainted with blood.  If this is the new policy of the United States following the harsh disaster it suffered, one can only conclude that a trend is taking shape among the leadership of the U.S. administration--to act as in the past.  Herein lies a very grave inherent danger to the free world as a whole and especially to the Jewish state, which is targeted by terrorist groups controlled by Arafat."

WEST BANK:  "Step In The Right Direction"

Adli Sadiq stressed in semi-official Al-Hayat Al-Jadida (9/14): “The initiative taken by Colin Powell to call President Arafat and Shimon Peres is a step in the right direction for an official American action.  The United States can continue to proceed in this course of logic by moving quickly, despite the hard situation it is going through, to end the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people.…  Last Tuesday’s horrendous events has proved that the continuous oppression against others is the convenient atmosphere to threaten the security and stability of nations and breed the madmen willing to die in order to inflict death.”

"In Search Of Security"

Abdel Aziz Rantisi of Hamas commented in independent, moderate Al-Quds (9/14):  “We all know that the U.S. foreign policy is based on a wrong foundation. The United States does not respect the poor and oppressed nations and does not approve their right to live in dignity and to be able to utilize their sovereignty over their natural resources.  Moreover, it hinders the developing capability of those countries in order to keep them as consumer markets for Western goods. Thus, the United States enforces backwardness and subordination upon these nations in favor of American interests and accumulation of wealth.  This, in turn, has earned the United States the hatred and animosity of many nations, including Latin America, Europe, especially in the Balkans, Africa, South East Asia and what is known as the Middle East region.… Hence, it must be said that security in the West will not be achieved at the expense of helpless nations.  Western support to Israel will not help, either.  Justice and respect of humanity are the only way to bring about security to the world’s nations.”

EGYPT:  "Following The Attack On America"

Leading pro-government Al Ahram's editor-in-chief Ibrahim Nafie held (9/14): "While we fully appreciate the current American situation in the face of this treacherous, inhuman terrorist attack, respect for all the innocent victims who belong to all religions and races requires patience in investigations without surrender to angry feelings and listening to calls of immediate retaliation.  With all our sympathy with its pain, the sole superpower should act with utmost wisdom and try to deal with the situation in great integrity.  There is a major issue about the United States' reputation in the world, which is currently at a low level for different reasons in different places.  The fact is that rational American voices have started to realize this truth courageously.  In the Middle East, the United States' moral credibility has been in a major test where Sharon's bloody role and American absolute support for Israel contributed largely to the feeling of hatred.  Certainly this requires a total review not only because of this barbaric attack, but also in general. The ground that reached this [hatred] was the double standard and absence of justice. 

"This total review needs global cooperation, because terrorism that attacked the United States recently left no country without harm.  The bitter experience left no doubt that there is no alternative except international coordination to fight terrorism."

"After The Attacks: Will America Change Its Foreign Policy?"

Aggressive pro-government Al Akhbar's Wagih Abu Zikry said (9/14):  "I regret what happened in the United States and the fall of such great number of civilians.  Undoubtedly, this suicidal terrorist group believed in what it did, and had tasted great U.S. violence, thus wanted to make the Bush administration taste from the same cup.   The United States emerged from World War II with victory, raising the banner of democracy, freedom, and human rights.  However, soon after world public opinion supported the American principles, policies were implemented against these principles.  The United States, because the sole superpower, and instead of being devoted to serve humanity and achieve the noble principles it declared, it employed its power against nations worldwide.  Washington posed itself as the judge and persecutor.  How many countries in the world hate the United States?  We hope the attacks become an opportunity for Americans to pursue a new policy of self-restraint.  No need for the United States to attack, blockade or usurp the wealth of nations."

"Banned"

Moderate opposition Al Wafd's co-editor-in chief Magdy Mehanna held (9/14):  "Arafat was the first to donate blood to American victims....  Arafat may have impacted American public opinion with this theatrical act, but he could not convince the Arab spectators.  Arafat was not believed, even if he had signs of grief over Americans on his face.  This reminds us when Arafat, at Camp David II, insisted that Barak preceded him to the door.  Arafat is producing plays of his own to improve the image of Palestinians and refute Sharon's...aggression and invasion of Palestinian cities.  Arafat's duty is to stand by his nation and stop producing plays.  What happened in the United States will change many security strategies in the world and it may be repeated in European and Arab states, regardless whether the perpetrators are terrorist organizations, the Mafia, intelligence agencies or countries.  Israel knows this fact well, and Arafat should as well."

TUNISIA:  "Late Revelation And Guilty Omission"

An editorial by Co-Editor-In-Chief Noureddine Hlaoui said in the independent French-language Le Temps (9/13):  "Words are not enough to describe the catastrophe that struck the United States....  Its authors are to be strongly condemned and denounced and should be punished firmly.  But what was also shocking, is the fact that since the first minutes, all fingers pointed towards the Arab-Muslims, accusing them of these attacks....  If the U.S. leaders, pushed by the influential pro-Israeli lobby and by the Israeli state, persist in following foreign trails, why do they neglect to accuse the Red Japanese army?... All of a sudden, information starts to flow from European countries about the existence of proofs involving Ben Laden (whom, we should acknowledge, has previously hit at the United States).  Without doubting these revelations, we wonder about the non-divulgence of this important information, which may have prevented such a tragedy." 

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

JAPAN:  "Japan Should Tell U.S. About Futility Of Military Retaliation"

Liberal Asahi editorialized (9/14):  "What will Japan have to do for the terrorist-stricken U.S.?...  Cowardly and despicable acts of terrorism can hardly be condoned.  Japan should do whatever it can to help the U.S. find those responsible and bring them to justice....  Japan, as a close U.S. ally, may be eager to offer unlimited assistance and cooperation to the U.S.

"But the GOJ should realize it is also the duty of a close ally to tell the U.S.--patiently and repeatedly--about the futility of military retaliation, no matter how hard and painful it may be."

"Japan Also Responsible for Peace and Order"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/14):  "Tuesday's simultaneous and unprecedentedly devastating terrorist attacks threw down the gauntlet in a serious challenge to not only the U.S. but also to all the world's democratic societies.  To prevent the recurrence of such horrors, the international community has to join hands to counter terrorism.   Japan will have to enhance terrorist countermeasures--both to maintain national security and to fulfill its responsibility to protect global peace and order.  Japan cannot waste any more time in gathering and analyzing intelligence on terrorism....  In Japan, the protection of facilities such as U.S. military bases is basically a police mission. But developing a system that can involve JSDF troops in defending U.S. facilities, when necessary, will lead to strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance."

CHINA:  MEDIA TREATMENT

The continued lack of commentaries in the Chinese press on the terrorist attacks is significant, indicating a lack of consensus on how the offical media should approach the issue.  The closest approximation to a commentary follows, but it speaks merely to the possible economic effect of the attacks, and the fact that the USG had long ignored the possibility of a low-technology terrorist attack while preparing to launch a high-technology missile defense system.

"America Still In Panic"

Yu Xiaokui commented in intellectually-oriented Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao), (9/14):  "Economists say that the terrorist attacks against the U.S. have dealt another heavy blow to Americans' economic confidence and have contributed to the already stagnant economy.  As a result, the U.S. economy is likely to be dragged into a recession, which consequently will have a further impact on the entire world economy....  Experts have pointed out that in fact, the U.S. government has long been preparing for an improbable war and lavishing a lot of energy on fighting against new forms of terrorist strikes using nuclear or biological weapons.  However, the U.S. government has ignored simpler types of terrorist attacks such as those incorporating hijackings and suicide bombs.  Therefore, the U.S. should now adjust its strategy and focus more on how to deal with traditional forms of terrorist attacks in the future."  

HONG KONG SAR:  "The Hidden Enemy"

The independent South China Morning Post remarked in its editorial (9/14):  "But where is the enemy?  Many clues point towards Osama bin Laden, the wealthy Saudi exile, and his friends in the Taleban regime of Afghanistan.  But these sophisticated raids may also have included recruits, and perhaps support, from elsewhere.  Saddam Hussein and Iraq get a mention but so far there is no public evidence to support such suspicions.  If proof positive of the terrorists' identity is acquired, questions will arise about how to respond effectively.  Strike aircraft, missiles and perhaps some mobile battle units may be used, but there will be little need for standing armies and strategic bombers--and none for nuclear weapons.  They relate to security threats of the Cold War era....  The most important concerns are better intelligence, plus improved ways of catching and punishing terrorists.  The United States and others must emphasize these as they confront this global scourge."

"Know Thine Enemy"

Independent Hong Kong iMail commented in its editorial (9/14):  "The United States is building the foundations for a war against the perpetrators of the evil we saw there on Tuesday. 

"President George W Bush has promised it will be 'a monumental struggle,' but that good will prevail.  Action is vital, but the United States should avoid acting hastily or out of a desire for revenge.  Instead, its action should be born from justice, aimed at eliminating the capabilities of these terrorists to operate again....  The whole world must engage in this struggle against terrorism.  The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has already invoked its mutual-defense clause. But the international coalition, as in the Gulf War, needs the support of Islamic states too.   It is essential that this war be seen as a war against terrorism, and not against Islam.  Millions of moderate Muslims are as appalled by this terror as the rest of the world."

"Tense Situation"

PRC-owned, Chinese-language Wen Wei Po's editorial emphasized (9/14): "Terrorist acts have killed many innocents.   People are angry and the terrorists must be sanctioned.  However, one must follow international law and the UN Charter when punishing the culprit.  One must clearly determine who the culprit is and arrest him.  Some countries, which did not participate in the plot but were used as hiding places, should be differentiated.   No large-scale massacre or act of war should be used against them.  If civilians were to be bombed by mistake, such an action would be no different from that of the terrorists.  The United States itself has been used as a hiding place for terrorists.   Will it set a double standard, too?  For the sake of U.S. interests and to be more reasonable in guarding against and sanctioning terrorist activities, the United States should be careful.  If NATO has to deploy troops outside Europe, it should seek other countries' opinions and should not be wayward."

"Whether U.S. Faces Recession Or Not Will Depend On Its Crisis Management"

The PRC-owned vernacular Hong Kong Commercial Daily wrote in its editorial (9/13):  "If the U.S. becomes more conservative in the future and restricts its contact with other countries, this would block global economic recovery.  However, if the U.S. administration can be tolerant, it should get rid of the shadow of disaster, and there will be a resumption in order in the economic and financial sectors as well as in market confidence.  Then, the huge U.S. economic system will not collapse due to the destruction of the World Trade Center, even though the World Trade Center is an important symbol of the U.S. economy."

AUSTRALIA:  "War On Terror Tests Resolve Of All Nations"

The national, conservative Australian (9/14) had this: "Nations such as Australia and those belonging to NATO have answered the call.  But now is the time to test the resolve of all nations who claim to be serious about weeding out mega-terrorism.  The battle is not between East and West, Arabs and Americans, or Islam and other religions.  It is a war against the shadowy

network of individuals and organizations that threaten all civilized peoples.  The temptation to characterize this as a battle between the West and the Arab world must be resisted.  Muslim nations need to be enlisted in the fight too.  All energies should be directed at destroying the perpetrators of evil.  This is an international problem, not a domestic political one."

"John W. Goes All The Way With George W. "

Michelle Grattan observed in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald (9/14):  "How dramatically politics can change. Only weeks ago, Howard hoped his U.S. trip would yield a commitment from George W. Bush to start negotiations on a free trade agreement.  What it has produced is a no-ifs-and-buts Australian commitment to help the U.S., if asked, in a yet-to-be defined, but almost certainly large scale, assault against terrorism....  Howard has given a big, open-ended and potentially risky undertaking.  He has been left Australia with no wriggle room.  At worst, it may have Australia embracing actions by the U.S. which may later be judged as going too far.  But the Australian view is in tune with the attitudes of the NATO nations which have invoked, for the first time, their key article declaring that an attack on one is an attack on all.  Almost certainly, domestic opinion will be behind him."

"Rebuilding The Towers On Higher Moral Ground"

Paul Sheehan wrote in the liberal Sydney Morning Herald (9/14):  "The U.S. enjoys a higher moral high ground it did not have before.  Not just Islamic fundamentalism, but all fundamentalism is uglier now.  How this incipient 'war' unfolds can go either way.  If Washington's response is patient, implacable and surgical it will keep the upper hand.  Economically, the disaster could see an echo of 1941, when the attack on Pearl Harbor sparked a period of government-led economic growth.  War brings horror to those who must fight it, but the American and Australian experiences in World War II was of a time of economic growth and national purpose, a time when everyone was part of something much larger than their own lives."

INDONESIA:  "The WTC Tragedy and Stigmatization"

Independent Koran Tempo (9/14) commented: "One issue that appeared following the 'Black Tuesday' tragedy in the U.S. is the comeback of the stereotype mindset among Americans.  Some parties [readily] linked the devastation of the World Trade Center with 'Muslim fundamentalism' even though there is not yet sufficient evidence.  Moreover, the perception that Muslims are the party responsible for the tragedy is now developing.  Some doubt is justified since the U.S. government once wrongly suspected the 'Muslim fundamentalists' of being behind the Oklahoma bombing....  We condemn the WTC bombing for whatever motive, whoever the culprits and whoever the victims.  But an inaccurate stereotype is a mistake that would only worsen future relations for the American people and other communities."

"U.S. Economics Shaken And The Whole World Is Asked To Help"

Leading independent Kompas (9/14) held:  "What really surprises us is the economic loss caused by the tragedy.  Wall Street has stopped its activity for two days....  Many businessmen may rethink their choice of New York as their main business location.  It is not impossible to relocate their businesses to London or Tokyo if they don't feel safe.  If this happens, it will be the greatest blow to New York and America....  The world economy has already slowed down due to a downturn in U.S. markets.  Moreover, Japan as the second strongest economy in the world is having its own problems and cannot replace the U.S. role. Meanwhile, European countries have hesitated to play a role as a world's economic locomotive....  This last incident has confirmed our understanding of the interdependency of countries. In reality, no country can walk alone when it has troubles, including the U.S.  The U.S. needs help from other countries.

MALAYSIA:  “Focus On Justice, Not Revenge”

The government-influenced, English language New Straits Times ran a commentary (9/14):  “The fury among the American leadership and the people is understandable given the audacity with which the terrorists coordinated the trail of violence....  Nations of the world should co-operate in bringing these crooks to book, especially since terrorism has been rearing its ugly head not only in the U.S. but also in every nook and corner of the world.  Countries or leaders expounding violence and terrorism should be condemned and internationally coordinated actions and pressure should be brought upon them to stop their activities and redress the situation....  However, any move to embark on unilateral military response against any country should not be condoned, especially if such actions would result in the loss of innocent lives....  It is important that the U.S. with the cooperation of other countries continue its investigations to ascertain the real culprits responsible for the attacks in New York and Washington.  The U.S. should work with other nations and international organizations with the focus on getting justice instead of revenge."

“Muslims In America Should Not Be The Target Of Revenge”

Government-influenced Berita Harian editorialized (9/14):  “A day after the attack, many Americans of Arab descent reported threats against them. The people who are retaliating for what happened in New York City and Washington are no better than the terrorists in striking fear in the community....  It is only a handful in the Muslim community that do not condemn violence.  If investigations do find that Muslim terrorists are involved, it should only be them and people who support terrorism who should be blamed....  We are not saying that Osama was not involved...[but] America cannot use this as an excuse to bomb Afghanistan which has been providing shelter to Osama....  George W. Bush is striving to find a way to quell his people’s anger and pain but this finger-pointing will not help investigations but may emotionally influence the process.  Will then the retaliatory strike be made towards the truly guilty party and will justice prevail?"

PHILIPPINES:  "Living With Terrorism"

Jose Bayani Baylon observed independent Malaya (9/14):  "What happened in New York and Washington, D.C. should alarm everyone of us.  For where will terrorists strike next?  Who knows?  With so many liberation movements everywhere, Asia is just as high risk an area as is the Middle East, or Europe, Africa or the Americas....  It is truly a new, difficult, and much more dangerous war that is being waged out there....  George Bush may have stated the obvious when he said that the armed forces of the United States remained powerful, ready to strike back.  But when you face an enemy who could be everywhere and nowhere, it means the time has come to wage a battle far removed from conventional warfare."

"We Are All Americans"

Fred dela Rosa observed in the independent Manila Times (9/14):  "Much of the world will support the U.S. in pursuing and destroying the armies of terrorism and ensuring that democracy and freedom continue to flourish in any and all parts of the earth.  Humanity will win because terrorism has no place in a civilized world.  The terrorists can alter our skyline and temporarily terrorize us with their weapons of doom but they will never slay the values, principles and beliefs that unite us.  In this cause, we are all Americans."

SOUTH KOREA:  "Korean Economy Hit By 'Terror'"

Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (9/14):  "The economic shock coming in the wake of the recent coordinated terrorist attacks in the U.S. is a real disaster for us because it can have more serious effects on Asian countries--specially the ROK and Taiwan which are heavily dependent on foreign economies--than on the U.S. itself.... The problem is that this incident may push the already sluggish U.S. economy into a recession.... If that really happens, the global economy will inevitably plunge into a simultaneous economic meltdown....  Another potential problem may be oil prices.  Even though OPEC is talking about increasing oil output at the moment, oil prices could sharply rise depending on what the U.S. decides to do in response to the recent attacks."

"Limitation Of Terror, Retaliation, And Punishment"

Independent Joong-Ang Ilbo declared (9/14): "After awakening from the nightmare of 'Bloody Tuesday,' the world is now closely watching the reaction of the U.S. President Bush, who declared the recent terrorist attacks aimed at the heart of the U.S. as 'acts of war,' and made clear his intention of retaliating on the same level as war. Mr. Bush vowed to severely punish not only the terrorists who committed these acts but also the countries harboring them.... The U.S., however, should first bring the whole picture of the crime to light through thorough investigations if it is to justify retaliation, and win international support. Rash U.S. retaliation can only encourage anti-American sentiment and invite a vicious cycle of revenge.

"The world feels ill at ease knowing that U.S. retaliation could develop into another world war."

"Retaliation Against Terrorism And Realization Of Justice"

Moderate Hankook Ilbo stated (9/14):  "The United States seems to have already concluded that Saudi-born Muslim terrorist Osama bin Laden is behind the recent terrorist attacks, and is poised to mount massive air and ground raids on Afghanistan and on bin Laden's hiding places in that country.  The U.S. is winning support from NATO countries for such attacks and is mobilizing necessary forces.  This kind of war against terrorism may contribute to restoring dented U.S. pride, but cannot break the vicious cycle of terrorist attacks and retaliations....  The U.S. will never be able to stave off terrorism, a last resort of the weak, without removing the source of enmity originating from its Middle East policy, which is heavily slanted toward Israel....  The best policy against terrorism does not lie in seeking revenge, but rather in exerting efforts to realize justice in the international community."

THAILAND:  “U.S. Economy Is Now Under Threat”

The lead editorial in the independent, English language Nation commented (9/14), “Economics is, of course, not a purely theoretical science.  Sentiment and animal spirits can overpower even the sanest arguments.  And the portents are hard to ignore.  The symbolism inherent in the collapse of the World Trade Towers and the gouging of the Pentagon should have been lost on no one....  Crises such as this are also double-edged.  The sense of collective loss and shared purpose make it easier for politicians to make tough decisions.  The U.S. Congress was facing a tough budget debate.  The terror attacks may now allow politicians to make economic decisions about partisan and constituent concerns.  They must now make the right economic choices.  How things turn will depend to a large degree on the words and actions of the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve’s handling of the financial markets.”

“The U.S. Hardline Policy”

The lead editorial of elite Matichon noted (9/14):  “The worst man-made disaster in the U.S. history two days ago should serve as a reminder that the use of force is not a lasting solution to any problems.....  Only sitting at the negotiating table across from each other and talking reason will.  It may take time.  And sometimes it may dent the superpower’s ego.  But this new approach to conducting foreign policy will save one from ever being startled over the thought of possible sabotage attempts.”

VIETNAM:  "Nothing Is Impossible"

Ngoc Nguyen wrote from New York for Thanh Nien, the newspaper of the Vietnam Youth Union, (9/14): "No one is happy to see people killed and values of civilization destroyed.  It is even more true that no one who has experienced war is happy to witness another war.  Yet, it is obvious that a war is more real than ever [on US soil].  It's a war of the 21st century, with public goods being used as weapons.  As we all have seen, they can cause destruction much greater than any traditional conventional weapons.  Is it that a new kind of war has really begun?  The US is a country abundant in might, so, it is natural that it will have and use all means necessary to appropriately retaliate the one that dares 'touch the lion's whiskers.'"

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA:   MEDIA TREATMENT

Summary:  Editorial comment in most papers, including the vernacular dailies (9/14), reflected the worldwide pain and anguish over the terrible loss of innocent lives and the need for concerted action to wipe out the scourge of terrorism by all peace loving countries. 

"Commenting on India's genuine empathy for the United States in its long hours of agony, editorials also noted that New Delhi hopes that a badly shaken Bush administration will count upon India as a proactive ally if an international coalition against terrorism can be formed.  Three Urdu-language dailies urged the US to act with restraint, patience and positive approach instead of retaliating in blind revenge.  The dailies said that indiscriminate action would only further inflame terrorism rather than eliminate it.  Several papers generally held U.S. policies partly responsible for the growth of terrorist menace.

"Joint Action"

The centrist Telegraph judged (9/14):  "India must work to establish an effective international mechanism that will enforce the global norm against terrorism by making countries that sponsor terrorism or provide sanctuary to terrorists directly accountable for their role...  The Indian prime minister now wisely offered unconditional cooperation to the United States in the fight against international terrorism...the joint working group to combat terrorism between India and the United States must be strengthened."

"Is Osama Bin Laden Behind This Destruction?"

A editorial-page article by Shyamal Dutta, Former Director, Intelligence Bureau, Calcutta's Bengali-language  Bartaman indicated (9/14):  "This attack proves what a long hand terrorists have.  So the U.S.-centric security strategy would not be fully successful in getting hold of this hand.  A worldwide comprehensive security paradigm is needed to eliminate terrorism."

PAKISTAN:  “Changing Circumstances Demand Patience And Care"

Mass-circulation, Urdu-language Jang asserted (9/14):  "The latest situation is fraught with dangers for Pakistan; everyone  should give it serious thought and demonstrate care in their attitudes. By  assuring Pakistan’s full cooperation to the world and America in  international efforts against terrorism General Musharraf has made a true  and fullest representation of the country’s 140 million people.... Islam  strictly prohibits violence against innocent people and no Muslim can support terrorism."

"Challenge Facing America And Pakistan"

An op-ed by Irshad Ahmed Haqqani in the mass-circulation Jang stated (9/14):  "It is easy to say that Pakistan should dissociate itself from a  possible American military action against Afghanistan and should resist any such action.  Likewise, it is easy to say that full support should be  offered to any step that America decides to take. These are two extreme  points of view strongly represented in Pakistan.  And this is the biggest  test of the Musharraf government’s insight, diplomacy and practical  understanding."

“Revenge of Devastation: U.S. Should Adopt a Cautious Attitude”

Sensationalist Khabrain (9/14) editorialized:  "The United States...should decide upon a response  only after it has incontrovertible evidence.  It must also give  consideration to the fact that Pakistan should not face a difficult test or  situation.  Pakistan should help the U.S. (after being certain about the  perpetrators).  Special care must be taken that when the perpetrators are  found and named, words like 'Muslims were involved' are not used as these would lead to clashes between Christians and Muslims in the United States.  Religious riots would be dangerous for the U.S. and would shift attention from the  real culprits (regardless of the faith they follow)....  America should take  the right decision based on objective and positive reasoning."

“New Element Of ‘Flying Bombs’ In Terrorism”

Second-largest Urdu daily Nawa-e-Waqt commented (9/14):  "With the attack on U.S. buildings, a new element of ‘flying bombs’  has entered the sphere of terrorism....  These events have ushered in a new  kind of warfare that might be difficult to stop. However, terrorism could be  eliminated if America and other developed countries stop exploiting the  smaller countries and use their resources to eliminate poverty."

“Let’s Pray”

An op-ed by Abbas Athar argued in the second largest Urdu daily Nawa-e-Waqt (9/14):  "Terrorism in America is a despicable conspiracy against the Muslims of the world.  No one except Israel and the Jews have the resources and network to give that kind of a jolt to the world.  The American  administration should get rid of the Jews dominance and reach the roots of  the conspiracy.  The administration should fulfill its legal and moral  responsibility by protecting all Muslims in America including Pakistanis."

“A Tragedy Bigger then the Tragedy”

An editorial in pro-Muslim League Pakistan held (9/14):  "America and the western countries should be aware of the dirty propaganda unleashed by Zionists and fanatic Hindus, who want to take  advantage of a clash between the Christian and Muslim worlds.  Who is  unaware of the fact that Jews dominate the world media and they have found a rare opportunity to malign Muslim world....  Without proving the accusation any military action and bloodshed against a nation or group would be a  tragedy bigger then the tragedy."  

“U.S. Expectations: Should Pakistan Fulfill Them?”

Popular Din (9/14) editorialized:  "If Usama Bin Laden is held responsible for the recent terrorism...and if the U.S. and its allies decide to strike, what will be the practical shape of the 'full cooperation' that Pakistan has promised?  Would Pakistan allow NATO planes to launch attacks on Afghanistan from its bases, or will it be physically involved in whatever shape this operation takes?  This is a  question whose answer is extremely difficult....  Just pause and consider what the regional balance of  power will be if the entire West puts its weight behind India (in case of Pakistan’s non-cooperation)?...  We must also keep in mind the backlash Pakistanis and Arabs--wherever they are in the West--will face if these incidents are indeed found to be linked with Bin Laden or an Arab  organization.   As of now, reports of hate-filled reactions are coming only  from the U.S....  The role the U.S. and the Western countries expect of Pakistan must be in line with Pakistan's stand on terrorism as well as on the myriad  national interests involved."

“To The American Nation”

Tariq Ahmad declared in popular Din (9/14):  "There is a need to study the psyche of suicide bombers.  Those who carry the weight of their dead children on their shoulders and the weight of  their forefathers’ devastation on their conscience, feel a burden that takes them towards death and revenge.  America should stop and consider how long it will continue supporting Israel, how long it will continue intervening in Afghanistan, how long it will continue supporting India on the Kashmir issue?  If you want to live, you must let others live too.  If Americans  have civil rights, so do people of other nations.  You cannot draw a line  between the world.  It is being said that the world’s liberal and democratic countries will be on one side of the divide and terrorists and those who harbor them will be on the other.  Draw a line if you must, but this line should be between the aggressors and the victims.  Today, America stands on  the side of the victims.  The question is: who does the American nation  support?  It is U.S. policies that have brought this tragedy upon the Americans."

SRI LANKA:  "A Message From The Mayhem"

Ameen Izzadeen observed in the independent, popular Daily Mirror (9/14):  "It appears that Bush does not want to interpret the attacks as an assault on U.S. foreign policy.  Thus a vast majority of Americans fail to see that what has been visited upon them was what their governments have visited upon other people....  A majority of Americans have yet to ask themselves why the U.S. is one of the most hated countries in the world.  If a global survey were held many would condemn the attack on civilians but not without adding America deserves it."

"The Need For Complete Elimination Of Terrorism"

An editorial in independent, nationalist Lakbima (9/14):  "Whichever way we analyze the situation, terrorism is a great scourge to the whole world....  There is no shortage of people who praise the Osama bin Ladens and Prabhakarans.  We wonder what the organizations that protested when Sri Lanka tried to control terrorism have to say now....  President Bush's statement that the terrorists can destroy the concrete but not the foundations of America is the saying of a true leader.  We too must recognize that the LTTE's death and destruction cannot destroy the historical foundations of this country."

"Are There Other Countries That Have Suffered Like Us?"

Independent Divaina (9/14):  "America is fortunate.  The minute they were wounded all the superpowers have pledged their assistance to eliminate terrorism.  When disaster struck us we had to bear it alone.  Whenever terrorists were wounding us these same superpowers and their NGO peace missionaries tried to restrict our forces to the barracks.  They tried to force ceasefires and produce peace on their terms....  "America has no such problem.  When they speak all superpowers listen.  So there is no other country that is better suited to take the lead to address the terrorism issues."

AFRICA

CAMEROON:  "Terrorism's Horrible Face"

Under the headline above, accompanied by Usama Bin Laden's face, columnist AimT Robert Bihina wrote in French-language opposition, tri-weekly Mutations (9/14), "Despite the fact that we are 12,000 kilometers away from (New York and Washington), the earthquake provoked by last Tuesday's attacks shook Yaounde as well as the rest of the world.  Mankind experiences and undergoes the implications and consequences of the tragedy live.  Investigations lead undoubtedly to...Usama Bin Laden."   

NIGERIA:  "Call For Concerted Effort"

In the view of the Lagos-independent National Interest (9/14), "That these attacks could happen to perhaps the only remaining superpower in a world... points to the insecurity of the international system.  If American security could be torn to shreds within a twinkle by hijackers who had the effrontery of commandeering planes on internal flights, no one can really be sure of being safe in the world....  Aware that the U.S. will fight back on a scale unimaginable, the only deduction is that whichever group is responsible for this unwarranted attack may have resolved to mindlessly plunge the world into some kind of conflagration.  The world must resist this....  It is imperative that the world also makes a concerted effort to eliminate terrorism from the roots."

"America Has Been Too Generous"

Lagos-based pro-labor independent daily Vanguard (9/14) carried this commentary by columnist Ochereome Nnanna:  "It is no longer viable to continue the policy of making the country a home for every nationality and culture of the world.  It is a great romantic idea which, if not drastically curtailed might lead to the early demise of the United States as a superpower.  There are too many cultures that covet the idea of Americanism.  There are many, more importantly, who would like to see America brought to its knees as the only way by which their own system can have a chance of rising to the top.... Right now and more ominously, the Islamic world wants America dead.  They see the Western system, with America at its head, as Christian in tradition and therefore inimical to the pride and healthy existence of especially political Islam.  And they know they don't have the technology and other strategic indices to wage and win a pitched world war.  They have seen suicide bombing as a viable way of striking terror and weakening the power of the West.  The parasite approach is especially deadly where the host is generous."

KENYA:  "Yes, U.S. Must Fight Smart"

The centrist Daily Nation maintained (9/14):  "Just because it is the only superpower extant, the United States has an inordinate number of enemies throughout the world.  Many of them have good cause to resent official America's activities abroad.  But many others accuse the United States merely of imaginary machinations and sins.  But it is precisely for that reason that the United States must treat all its adversities with great maturity and caution.  For it has admirers, too."

"Terror And Looming Retaliation"

The government party-owned Kenya Times emphasized (9/14):  "Only when (the United States) is  assured that their strikes will not take another innocent life, only then shall there be a justification to strike.  For to strike merely for the sake of venting anger and injuring or killing those they purport to protect in a just world will certainly not create a clear line between who indeed is a terrorist."

"Would Cold War Spying Have Prevented Attack?"

The centrist Daily Nation stated (9/13): "Whoever the finger points at in the end, the three fingers pointing back will be silently accusing all the U.S. administrations that made cut backs in the CIA and other lesser known arms of espionage.  They will also be accusing the present administration of concentrating resources on fighting wars in the stars, that might never take place, instead of fighting wars on the ground where things still happen."

SOUTH AFRICA:  "In The Wake Of Devastation, It Is Time To Take Sides"

Foreign editor Peter Fabricius opined in the independent Star (9/14):  "It is time for taking sides....  To explain this monstrous deed as the result of 'despair' because America refused to entertain the notion that Israel might be racist seems remarkably indulgent, to say the least....  But as chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement, South Africa probably feels it has an ex-officio obligation to remain neutral.  If it does so, it must realise that choosing not to choose sides is also a choice, with consequences....  Perhaps we should not take sides with the United States and its allies under pressure or for fearing of losing material support.  But we should be clear about the nature of the conflict.  British Prime Minister Tony Blair was right when he said it was not just America that was attacked on Tuesday--but freedom and democracy.  Certainly the victims were not just Americans....  In an increasingly globalised world...to fly a civilian airliner into an office block is an injury to all.  The choice is surely clear."

"U.S. Response Must End Cycle Of Terror"

The Black-owned, liberal Sowetan (9/13) cautioned:  "To its credit...the US has held together in the past 24 hours [past] a critical - it has held together in the face of what is undeniably history's most devastating act of terror yet.  But that is only the beginning.  In the next few days, Americans will come under increasing pressure from within to respond.  The judgment it exercises in defining this response will be its most important test of all.  Few would disagree that whatever form of retribution the United States decides on, it will have to formidable and unequivocal.  An unmistakable message must be delivered to those responsible that the world will not countenance terror; no matter what its origins.  That, however, should not be seen as license justifying unmitigated revenge.  Americans must remain mindful of the reality that their response will have a profound impact on the future of the world.  Rather than use the opportunity to unleash a new cycle of violence, it must be exploited to bring an end to it.  Necessary restraint must be exercised to ensure its response does not cross the delicate threshold separating legitimate punitive force from naked terror.

"The World Reacts"

The Durban-based independent Mercury cautioned (9/14),  "As reactions of stunned outrage pour in from governments following the terrorist atrocities in the United States, it becomes abundantly clear that if the culprits were indeed Islamic militants, they represent only the tiniest--barely measurable--sliver of the Arab/Islamic world....  It is important that NATO and other nations--the United States in particular--should emphasise that the world coalition which is forming against terrorism is exactly that; it is not some kind of crusade against the Arab/Islamic world.  Arabs and other Muslims who happen to live in Western societies, the United States in particular, should not be subjected to hostility and social pressure.  If the campaign against international terrorism is to succeed, the Islamic world has to be fully part of it...  The United States has so far exercised restraint.  It is the right approach in a new kind of war, which is not against any state (let alone religion) but against an international network of violent fanaticism."

UGANDA:  "Strengthen World Bodies"

The government-owned New Vision held (9/14), "As the soul-searching continues in the wake of the devastating attack on mainland USA, questions are being asked about how to deal with terrorism.  The United States government has declared itself to be at war with the perpetrators, who are yet to be identified definitively. In the heat of the devastation and the raw emotion that the barbarity elicits, this reaction is fairly understandable. But America needs to be mindful of a knee-jerk reaction, the kind whose efficacy history has shown us to be doubtful, and whose consequences can boomerang....  The one major success against terror, the Lockerbie indictments and conviction by the world court, has been fashioned by co-operation and use of international bodies. Policing and prosecuting powers should be vested in the United Nations, whose authority has otherwise been undermined, ironically, by the United States which continues to default on its ($2.3bn) dues and acts contemptuously like in boycotting this month's racism conference.   Who knows, but the next big terrorist attack could come via the Internet.  No one can be fully equipped to handle major strikes, but humanity acting in concert."

"America Is Still Open For Business"

The government-owned New Vision opined (9/14). "In the wake of the devastating events of Tuesday morning, shock and sorrow will hover in the United States, before the anger sets in.  It is this anger that will perhaps worry global business, because it tends to be also accompanied by an isolationist stance. Fertile ground for protectionist policies, that can severely affect free trade.  The U.S.' open society has created the most vibrant economy in the world. There has been a slowdown as the novelty of technology and dot com companies has worn off, but the U.S. economy is the locomotive of global growth. So there is much widespread concern over what happens next. 

"Such initiatives as the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) that give 34 African countries, including Uganda, duty and quota-free access to the US market, may suffer under these resentful circumstances.  Many Americans will understandably feel very indignant about giving a helping business hand to other countries, when American lives are being threatened and destroyed so viciously.  We certainly hope this frame of mind does not take hold.  And to reassure the world, on Tuesday night President George W. Bush said: 'The economy is still open for business.'  On the other hand, the symbolism of attacking the World Trade Center, two months before the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial talks in Doha Qatar, cannot by underestimated.  Global trade terms are riddled with unfairness, but cynical violence helps no one."

TANZANIA:  "Terrorism Must Be Dealt With Collectively"

The government-owned English-language Daily News opined (9/13), "This is indeed, a world tragedy of unparalleled proportions and having experienced an equally senseless attack, albeit of much smaller scale, on the U.S. Embassy in Dar Es Salaam three years ago, we can imagine the agony now possessing the families and associates of the victims.  No stone should be left unturned in the search for the architects of the horrible plot of mass murder.  No group has claimed responsibility for the insanity, which has been condemned even by Washington's traditional foes. The entire world should fully cooperate with the American people under President George W. Bush in the pursuit for the culprits, who must be identified and brought to justice.  Whatever the case, terrorism must be dealt with collectively to maintain international peace and security."

ZIMBABWE:  "Terror, Violence Won't End World's Conflicts"

The independent Daily News held (9/14), "The United States will survive Tuesday's horror....  The people who sent the suicide pilots hurtling into the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon most certainly deserve severe punishment, as do the countries which aided and abetted them.  But if the retaliation causes the same massive loss of civilian life that was witnessed on Tuesday, then the world will not have learnt anything from the unbridled use of power....  Restraint is called for as any excessive use of force might turn sympathy into the same outrage that greeted Tuesday's insanity."

"Tragedy For Entire International Community"

The government-controlled Herald (9/14) carried this opinion piece by Tim Chigo: "As the world mourns with relatives of people who died in the attacks on Tuesday, other states should accept that the tragedy is not for Americans only but for the whole international community....  The Tuesday attacks should be taken as a pointer to the 21st century in which orthodox war between states is replaced by proxy terrorist attacks that kill indiscriminately."

"Turning Point In New World Order"

The government-controlled Herald also carried this comment by Amon Olisi:  "Recent terrorist attacks on the USA mark the turning point in this new world order.  America has made many enemies as well as friends in the past century....  America's evil has now overshadowed the good it has done in the past.  Its arbitrary sanctions on Cuba, bombing of Libya, relentless attack and sanctions against Iraq, uncommitted reaction to the African crisis and its partial handling of the Middle East crisis has only succeeded in earning USA the bad name it now has.  Previous attacks on their foreign embassies were a warning that the U.S. government could not heed.  The U. S. government should be accountable to the world and to its citizenry.  It should not make policies that invite danger to its doorstep....  It is high time the U. S. revisits its policies and  try to have a positive approach as a world leader."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CANADA: "Security Matters"

The conservative Calgary Herald editorialized (9/13): "The events of Tuesday show  [our] dangerous complacency can no longer be tolerated.  We hope nobody doubts Canada's obligation to help America keep terrorists out.    ...Canada's lack of preparedness has long been a national embarrassment.  Tuesday's escalation in the scale of terror changes many things; one must be Ottawa's commitment to security. " 

"Why Terrorism Won't Work"

The tabloid-style, nationalist Ottawa Citizen held (9/13): "Terrorists can achieve at least their intermediate objectives if the public becomes afraid.... If we change our everyday behaviour in fundamental ways, then even if the terrorists do not win a decisive victory, we suffer a significant defeat....fear is the only real weapon terrorists have. We can take it away from them, by refusing to be afraid. " 

"Judge Bush's Speech By The Actions That Follow"

Peter Shawn Taylor commented in the conservative National Post (9/13): "There is more to being a leader than mere wordsmithing.  Bill Clinton's most important speech is surely his  ' I have sinned '  effort following the release of the Starr Report.... But while it may read smoothly and lucidly, it has no claim to greatness since it exists in a moral vacuum. It is marred, not elevated, by subsequent actions... . Mr. Bush did not deliver a great speech on Tuesday night, but it may one day be regarded with admiration.  That depends on how unyielding his anger proves to be. " 

"Infiltrate Them"

The conservative National Post editorialized (9/13):  "The United States and other Western nations must learn from the Israelis. Terrorism has been a daily fact of life in that country since its birth, and so the country has developed a deep and ruthlessly effective intelligence apparatus that includes professional spies and a network of paid collaborators....  [I]n the shadow of this week's bloodshed,  [our] criticisms  [of Israel's measures] are revealed for all their silliness and nanvetT.  Israel has a lot to teach the United States about counterterrorism.  Let us hope the CIA is a quick learner. " 

"Evil Resides Among Us, In Our Hearts "

Under the sub-head subhead "Activists who attack U.S. Corporations have encouraged terrorism," Elizabeth Nickson commented in the conservative National Post (9/13): "On Tuesday, the most narcissistic generations the world has ever produced looked down the barrel of real evil for the first  time.  And it is an evil that arguably, they had a hand in encouraging....If you want to change or save the world, this is your time....Get a real job, joint the culture, see how hard it is to really make a difference, and die in the trying.  We are a great nation, and we live next to a great country.  It is time to defend it. "

"War On Terrorism Will Not Likely Be War At All"

Under the subheads  "A long, costly struggle" and "Co-operation would have to be absolute and widespread," David Bercuson wrote in the conservative National Post (9/13): "...[I]f President Bush, and U.S. congressional leaders, are not absolutely determined to win this through to the end, if they are not grimly determined to do whatever has to be done, for however long it may take, to kill this many-headed hydra, it is best not to embark on this path at all."

"Goin' Down The Israeli Road To Thwart Terror"

The leading Globe and Mail carried a piece by Canadian ambassador to Israel and first representative to the Palestinian Authority in Gaza, Norman Specto (9/13): "Democratic societies have fought and won wars in the past, often at great cost and using horrific means.  ...If, as now seems, we are years away from peace, what means are legitimate to win the war against terrorists and the states that sponsor them?  Before we go too far down this road, we should decide whether they would not, at least, include missile strikes and targeted assassinations."

"Taking North American Ties To Another Level"

Edward Greenspon wrote in his regular "Inside Politics" in the leading Globe and Mail (9/13):  "If the perpetrators of Tuesday's attacks passed through Canada, as some reports suggest, the inevitable pressure to harden our border will prove irresistible....  In a speech last week, former prime minister Brian Mulroney said it is time to take the North American relationship to a new level, one that will require common approaches to such issues as tariffs, customs, immigration and defence....  Those sentiments applied last week.  Since then, we've lost ground.  How do we now maintain our existing access and privileges?  How do we safeguard our prosperity and advance our security?"

"We're All Americans Now"

Margaret Wente wrote in the leading Globe and Mail (9/13):  "We Canadians love to exaggerate our differences from Americans and brag about our moral and cultural superiority.  But now we can think only of what we have in common - our beliefs about human decency and the rule of law. The differences don't matter any more, if they ever did."

"Stock Markets Should Open Even Though It Hurts"

Columnist Mathew Ingram wrote in the leading Globe and Mail's business section (9/13):  "There are a couple of powerful arguments for reopening...the NYSE - and one is simply because stock markets are designed to provide liquidity for investors who want to trade their stocks, even though their trading may be irrational.  The other argument is more emotional:  The strike on the World Trade Center towers was a blow to the very heart of North American capital markets and capitalism in general, and there is no better way to show that this blow was unsuccessful than by carrying on with business, as difficult as it may be."

"Let's Rally 'Round Our American Friends" 

The leading Globe and Mail editorialized (9/13): "Nations of the world are horrified by the television images of death and destruction...and want to do something to help.  The reason is not only sympathy, but also fear that the same sort of terrorism will strike other nations' soil next if nothing is done to stop it.  There is enormous willingness to act now, and the momentum must be seized and channelled into useful work. Funnelling this energy will require wise leadership.  There's ample motivation for Canada to stand front and center to fill this role."

"A Small Price To Pay"

Conservative, English-language Montreal Gazette (9/13):  "As investigators began piecing together the sequence of events that culminated in the attacks against the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, it rapidly became clear that the hijackers chose an airport with a reputation for lax security [Boston's Logan]. Airline security experts identify a number of issues that airports in North America have failed to address. One of the most worrisome is the lack of training and supervision given security agents, who are often inexperienced and poorly trained, but who provide the first line of defence against potential risks.... 

"As American and Canadians fully absorbed the enormity of Tuesday's attacks, Israel's stringent airline security became more appealing. These measures include close questioning of passengers, thorough luggage searches and armed inflight guards.  With Tuesday's hijackings, travelers in Canada and the United States are going to have to accept that convenience will be sacrificed to some degree for safety. As the death toll mounts, it should feel like a small price to pay."

ARGENTINA:  "It Would Be Suicidal Not To Support The U.S."

Carlos Escude, specialist on international relations and political analyst, held in leading Clarin (9/14) ".... We all know that this terror is global and that there is no way out in a world where globalization not only reaches finances and trade, but also the capacity to destroy. In the past we could cheat ourselves into believing that a World War was none of our business. With the globalization of terror, this is no longer possible...."

"U.S. Prepares Taylor-Made Alliance"

Oscar Raul Cardoso, leading Clarin international analyst, wrote (9/14): "With amazing speed, even for a global hegemonic superpower, Washington prepares the second multinational political and military alliance in a decade. Up to now, it asked for and obtained almost full international solidarity, although that same efficiency highlights, rather than overshadows, the difficult challenges posed by the project.... Although the coalition still lacks a formally identified enemy -- one of the most surprising aspects of the situation --, the fact that Afghanistan is the most possible target forces the scenario to take its own shape....  Bush aims at repeating the successful 'Desert Storm' Operation and, militarily speaking, he has more than enough capacity to achieve it.... Nevertheless, politically speaking, it is almost impossible to compare the situation in 1991 to the attack on the Twin Towers. The differences are as numerous as their similarities.... The idea of a full-scale military action against Afghanistan...leads us to an issue of significant importance: the 1991 Gulf War had its foreseeable military victory guaranteed by the asymmetry of its players, but there is no consensus on whether it achieved its political goals."

"Russia And NATO Promise To Punish Terrorists"

Juan Carlos Alganaraz, leading Clarin's Madrid-based correspondent, stated (9/14) "Russia and NATO promised 'not to leave (World Trade Center) terrorists unpunished', a decision made during a joint meeting in Brussels. These actions are of a 'horrible dimension, and are unprecedented in modern history,' pointed out the communique. This resolution takes place at a time when there is a process of extraordinary cooperation underway between the governments of Russia and the U.S., both of which have left aside their differences regarding the conflict in Chechnya and the U.S. 'Missile shield' project....

This decision opens the door for the U.S. to declare it is a victim of a foreign attack and to request support from the other 18 allies in terms of actions in defense of the attacked member.....  Amidst growing versions of the preparation of military actions against Afghanistan, the alliance between NATO and Russia is of decisive importance." 

"It's The Fourth World War"

Carlos Montaner, contributor in independent La Prensa opined (9/14): "The Fourth World War has started. It will be weird and irregular and will include horrendous battles--we still have to go through the atrocious experience of a bacteriological war--but this is what wars are like.  The consolation is that, undoubtedly, the Western world will win."

"The Universal Enemy"

An editorial in daily-of-record La Nacion stated (9/14):  "Whoever the perpetrators are...they are probably the promoters of a dark and broad history of worldwide atrocities.  And, by their own determination, they moved to the opposite side of civilized harmony. They have clearly become the enemies of humanity. For this reason, the deserved response to the recent vile and decisive aggression should not be pushed forward by the desire for revenge or by the legitimate feeling of pain which overwhelms the world, but by the most absolute conviction that Justice calls for this reparation action. In the meantime, there is the certainty that collaborating so those responsible for these actions are taken to Court for these atrocities must be encouraged, and it is a moral obligation which no nation or government can be spared from.... The time has come, therefore, for all nations to express, via firm and civilized procedures, their full determination to cooperate in the urgent task of putting an end to such criminal madness."

"The Number Of The Beast"

An editorial in liberal, English-language Buenos Aires Herald said (9/14):  "The response should be multiple and sustained but above all, it must be on target and the world should rest assured that it will be. Misgivings have been expressed about the hawkish nature of the Washington administration but precisely for that reason it has nothing to prove.  When six people die at the World Trade Center as in 1993, national honor might come before finding the guilty, but when thousands die, the guilty must be made to pay."

BRAZIL: "A Nation In Check"

The lead editorial in liberal Folha de Sao Paulo stated (9/14): "Americans are demanding that those responsible for the hateful attacks in NYC and Washington be punished.  The rest of the world must support and help to the extent possible to arrest and bring the terrorists to trial.  Coexistence with terrorism is not acceptable anywhere in the civilized world.  However, no one can ignore the radicalism that has emerged in U.S. society....  This feeling of war seems to be contaminating most of U.S. public opinion. There is the risk that this feeling will be channeled into a domestic witch hunt, since there is no visible foreign enemy.  President Bush must be very cautious so that a witch hunt does not put his nation's democratic regime at risk. Pressed by criticism against his supposed lack of leadership, Bush may be tempted to take hasty and easy responses and to make respect for individual rights 'flexible.' There is no question about the need to fight terrorism, but all those who support democracy should be careful not to lower themselves to the level of the agressors."

"The Scenario Has Changed"

Center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo lead editorial held (9/14):  "T"For its new anti-terrorism policy to produce effective results, the U.S. must obtain its allies' and friends' consensus, in addition to determined political support.  Of course, the U.S. has military capability more than sufficient to impose a tough punishment on any nation that protects or supports terrorism. But it will be better--to exorcise the ghosts of unilateralism and isolationism--if this action is carried out with the support of nations sharing Western values."

"Devil's Work"

Former Brazilian President Jose Sarney commented in liberal Folha de Sao Paulo (9/14): "What happened in New York and Washington has shown that there is nothing more cruel and ignominious than terrorism. What is unprecedented is the fact that the greatest superpower is vulnerable and fragile vis-a-vis this neo-terror.  What is the value of a nuclear shield and sophisticated intelligence services?... Brazil must align itself with absolute solidarity and cooperation with the world sentiment against terror."

"Waiting For The Second Round"

Liberal Folha de Sao Paulo political columnist Clovis Rossi held (9/14): "President George W. Bush seems not to inspire the full confidence of even important sectors of the United States.  Many people consider it an unforgivable hesitation that the U.S. has not yet launched any type of retaliation. The U.S. people clearly want blood. But thisdelay must be praised. There is not enough information to "make tough decisions," as a NYT editorial demands. If there is such information, it has not become public so far. The worst thing would be to attack Arabs or Muslims just because they are Arabs, not terrorists. The U.S. already has a high debt in regards to racism."

"Why So Much Hate?"

Business-oriented Valor Economico political commentator Maria Cristina Fernandes said (9/13):  "The land of individualism is united around an enthusiastic and predictable popular support of military retaliation. The attack reinforces the same U.S. patriotism that left the society unprotected against the attack...  The U.S. inability to decipher foreign cultures is at the root of this unprepared intelligence."

"War Of The Worlds"

Rio de Janeiro's independent Jornal do Brasil, editorial  remarks on Brazil's apparent change of policy regarding rogue states (9/13): "[Brazilian] Chancellor, Celso Lafer admitted that if it is proved that there has been any type of assistance from Middle Eastern countries with these attacks....  Brazil will review its trade and diplomatic policies with countries like Iran, Iraq and Libya.  Even considering the great degree of caution characteristic of Itamaraty, this pronouncement is almost a change of position in the context of the extreme tension created by the audacity of the terrorists on American soil.  President Bush's caution is understandable because one wrong move onhis part may isolate Islam from international community, worsening the Western economic situation already on the verge of a crisis....  Any hasty move may irreversibly shake the balance among cultural blocs; on the other hand, any delay may damage the anti-terrorist coalition expressed by leaders of almost all the nations of the world."

MEXICO: "Human Fragility"

Monterrey's leading El Norte carried a commentary by Agustin Basave, a leading intellectual and active member of the PRI (9/14): “The thousands of victims and the thousands of dollars lost last Tuesday as a result of the terrorist attacks, struck us and made us reflect.  On one hand, (these events) point out the diverse dangers we face; far beyond the opposing ideologies and the threat from the U.S. army, lie terrorist groups and organized crime. This is the horrible face of unfettered globalization which demands regularization and order.  On the other hand, it also serves as a basis to discuss the imperative need to address international disparities which generate such insane actions.”

"The Super Hero's Wound"

Paz Flores noted in independent El Norte (9/14):  “In his book, Wars of the Future, Toffler enumerates weapons such as biological and chemical bombs as potential terrorist tools, according to secret information (obtained) by the CIA.  And do you know who trained Osama? The United States.  In 1989 he founded the Islamic Front for Salvation and fought against the communist party in Yemen, actions that gained U.S. support. The CIA trained him.  Ironically, the monster it created now reverts. I condemn this attack, but I do not forget that history has two sides and it is obvious that information flows only one way.”

BOLIVIA:  "Serenity And Justice Must Reign In The U.S"

Conservative El Diario editorial concluded (9/13): "Barbarity must not be answered in the same way, and one must try to avoid applying an eye-for-an-eye creed to innocent citizens, whose only crime is living in territories that are considered 'hostile'". All of those who have expressed their solidarity and sorrow over the attacks -- which have not only caused the death of thousands of people, but multi million dollar losses --are also worried about what will happen in the future, hoping that, once more, the empire of the North demonstrates its adherence to law and justice."

"Theologists Of Terrorism"

Father Jose Gramunt's commentary to be printed in influential La Razon tomorrow began (9/13): "Everything about the sinister human catastrophe has not been said yet.  It was humiliating for the United States and terrible for the rest of the world.  It fell like a fire from hell over the political, financial and military heart of the world.  It is an event that could change the course of history if a remedy is not found.  Could it start the Third World War, a war of unthinkable characteristics?  What happened on Tuesday, September 11, has awakened the whole world to the imminent danger of the invisible enemy. I cannot foresee the United States' response.  But I fear that what happened will make life for all more uncomfortable and risky."

"The Terrorist Attack Against The U.S."

Centrist La Prensa's editorial held (9/12):  "The terrorist attack against the United States moved the community of nations and plunged it into deep uncertainty regarding to the attacks' unforeseeable consequences.  Indeed, in many places across the planet, the outbreak of a world war is being feared, or at least, the aggravation of the crisis that affects rich and poor countries today....  A feeling of revulsion has come over most people--as it should--in the face of such an attack, along with a feeling of solidarity with the victims and an outcry for justice.  These feelings must be contrasted to feelings of retaliation. Retaliataion would only deepen the differences and further degrade the human species."

CHILE:  "A Vulnerable Power"

An editorial in leading-circulation, popular, independent La Tercera judged (9/13):  "Those responsible for the attacks against Washington and New York must be punished with all the force of law....  But in this battle the United States has no enemy to attack and nothing seems to indicate it ever will, because that is the reasoning behind terrorism: strike and disappear over and over.  What is most concerning is that not even by eliminating Osama bin Laden, as some would like, will the United States be at ease.  Other fundamentalist groups would arise and avenge Bin Laden, giving his demented cause a new martyr to feed the fight against the 'Yankee Empire'....  Washington and the entire world will have to review their security systems and deploy new intelligence mechanisms... Efforts will have to be made to focus on how to find, recognize, and confront this enemy....  Only once that enemy has been identified, will the U.S. be able to fight back....  But a disproportionate American response has a good chance of making this already complex conflict worse."

"Interview With Former Chilean Ambassador To U.S. Genaro Arriagada"

Government-owned but editorially independent La Nacion ran these comments by Genaro Arriagada (9/13): "There is a distinction between war and terrorism.  War is declared, and has rules and conventions ...   Terrorism is indiscriminate and has no rules.... What we must ask the superpower is to act with restraint and I believe (President) Bush has done that well....  Democracies condemn terrorism, but there are countries that...probably still protect it. Those countries have to be shown that this support has a price and could have a serious effect on them...  The fight against terrorism is not predominately or principally military. 

"It is a fight in the area of intelligence, infiltration, of detecting terrorist groups and neutralizing them....  The world must be grateful that Bush has shown restraint.  And we hope that his reaction will be based on unquestionable information....   The United States is in its right to pressure those states (that endorse terrorism) I would regret it if the response to this act of terrorism were a war, as I would also regret the lack of a response.  The worst thing in these situations is impunity."

"U.S. Must Keep Its Cool"

Financial El Diario ran an op-ed piece by Socialist Senator Carlos Ominami (9/13): "It is of the utmost importance for the American government to keep its cool.  Unleashing a spiral of retaliations could be fatal and could lead us all to who knows where.  The United States has an enormous political and international responsibility.  We realize it's necessary to use all means to identify and punish the terrorists.  What is not acceptable is to respond in haste to the natural desire for justice that the American people will begin to voice."

"Financial Enemy"

An editorial in financial El Diario held (9/13):  "The events of Tuesday...were a shock not just because of the pain and damage to the American nation, but because they shook the global economic system ... affecting all nations on the planet.... The objectives chosen by the terrorists is a new demonstration of changes in the relevance of institutions and issues.  For world stability, the security of the president of the Federal Reserve could be more relevant than the defense of military facilities."

"An Interview With President Lago"

Leading national radio network "Radio Cooperativa" (9/13) aired a telephone interview with President Lagos (9/13):  "This is not about the United States fighting terrorism.  It involves all democratic forces, all democratic governments that wish, first of all, to express their solidarity with the United States, and second, to understand that this is an attack against each one of us....  It's not possible to accept what has happened, and therefore, I believe it's very important from the viewpoint of Latin America to take measures that will allow us to move forward and respond in such a way that the American people are not alone at this time.  Concrete measures must be taken, of cooperation and collaboration, to isolate these forces, because it seems this sort of act will be the new reality of the 21st Century and if this is the new reality, there has to be a new type of response."

"Among Human Beings There Is Enormous Hatred...U.S. Must Find Solution"

Government-owned but financially autonomous, National Television, TVN, aired this commentary by international commentator and anchorman Bernardo de la Maza (9/12): "The attack against the largest political, military and economic power on Earth, and in history, has made it evident, in the most brutal way, that the world in which we live is far more complex that we imagined.  It has proven that among human beings there is enormous hatred, a hatred that moves terrorism even beyond the lives of its perpetrators....  The United States cannot look sideways in the crisis between Jews and Palestinians.  (The U.S.) used to have the moral responsibility and, since yesterday, is urgently required help find a solution to this conflict that is the main source of hatred in the world....  Especially the new economic order that has made wealthy countries increase enormously their richness, while the poor ones -which are the majority - become ignominiously poorer. The United States is no longer invulnerable and all-powerful.  Neither are its allies.  All have to be jointly responsible for diminishing the great hatred in the world.  They have to listen to the complaints against globalization."

"Now, Danger Is Undetectable...In Globalized World"

Conservative, Catholic University of Chile, Channel 13, ran international commentator Karin Ebensperger's opinion (9/12):  "During the Cold War states confronted each other with conventional arms.  The enemy was a known one.  Now, danger is undetectable, it is the religious fundamentalism or nationalism that cannot be fought only with military power.... Today, in a globalized world our national security would imply high costs in intelligence and defense to safeguard Chile's interests.  And last, the news show us that the Twenty First Century starts with a great paradox: on one side globalization tends to make the world more uniform and on the other, the need for cultural identity leads to the reappearance of nationalist and religious movements, sometimes as this is the case, extremists."

CUBA:  "U.S.' State-Sponsored Terrorism Continues Genocide Against The Palestinians"

The Roundtable is a Monday-Friday daily GOC television program used to comment on U.S. policies towards Cuba and around the world, as well as to discuss social issues.  Statements by one of the commentators, Rogelio Polanco, Director of Juventud Rebelde, the official daily of the Communist Youth organization, included (9/13):  "You can't put an end to terrorism as long as the state-sponsored terrorism of the United States continues its genocide against the Palestinian people, the indiscriminate sale of weapons, the millions of dollars spent on arms, the attempts against world leaders, and the hegemonic imposition on the rest of the world.  Nor will it end, if plans against Cuba continue to be forged from U.S. territory by the same terrorists who committed those acts against the United States.  Cuba, which shares the pain of the U.S. peoples, and which rejects energetically these actions, has suffered terrorism on its own flesh and there will be no solution for it if hypocrisy, double moral standards, and the cynicism of the principal terrorists of the world does not stop."

ECUADOR:  "Who Does Terrorism Serve?"

An opinion column Emilio Palacio in leading center-right El Universo held (9/13): "A firm hand is needed to stop insane groups who murder mercilessly.  All countries should discuss the best way to do this, including the need to create a world where the demagogy and insanity of small terrorist groups will not find support.  The solution is not turning parts of our planet into a war zone. Ecuadorians should know this.  We must remember that we have a U.S. base in our territory; that the U.S. General Consulate in Guayaquil has tightened security measures, and that press sources from Washington have reported links between Bin Laden and alleged Ecuadorian terrorist groups."

"Fundamentalism Gets Loose"

Xavier Lasso opined in Quito's center-left (influential) Hoy (9/13): "The United States has been seriously damaged and on behalf of western culture and its democracy, I feel deeply sorrowed....  The pain and terror of these horrible acts touch all of us. There is no place on this planet free from this threat.  Our vulnerability has been shown everywhere.  Our ideas of civilization and culture, and perceptions of God and religion seem to be creating conditions for this conflagration."

GUATEMALA:  "Black Tuesday In The Empire"

Influential El Periodico's columnist Jorge Palmieri reflected (9/13): "The dimension of the acts makes one think of unprecedented reactions that could be apocalyptic.  In the face of the soulless suicide action of fundamentalist terrorists--scoundrels who believe that by immolating themselves they get into paradise --it makes no sense to ask the greatest power on the planet to react in another way....  It is senseless to ask that the government of the United States react softly.  That (possibility) only exists in the minds of latter-day Marxists who behind the scenes are happy about what happened.  The free world was appalled by the demented attack....

"It would be futile to appeal to the nobility of the great American people so that they would understand the apocalyptic risks the world will run as a consequence of reprisal.  As much as one would like to ask Washington to think deeply to find some response that would not be a formidable manifestation of its power, its understandable pain, and its natural rage, one cannot expect the empire not to make a bruising blow against those who are responsible for these outrageous acts against its economic heart and its military brain."

 "Beyond Insane Terrorism"

Staff columnist Hector Mauricio Bonilla asserted in  Prensa Libre (9/13): "The images on TV were Dantesque... they impacted the world's conscience.  The immense danger that insane terrorism carries and its total disregard for human life were made evident..."We must not be fooled.  Although the action was spectacularly shocking...the truth is it has not changed the new world order.  The specific weight  the United States has at the international level remains the same.  The  reason is very simple: its political, economic, military, cultural, and  technological power have not been affected.  Quite the contrary... its capability for maneuvering will be fortified....   The deaths of innocent  civilians have only motivated unanimous international solidarity, have advanced the moral unity of America, and motivated the disapproval of any  fundamentalist revindication...it has compelled the partnership of nations to form a unified front to fight against international terrorism."

URUGUAY: "The New World Order"

Top-circulation conservative El Pais editorialized (9/13): "The impact that these terrorist attacks produced in the U.S. made them close some fronts that the unwise policy of Bush and his advisors had opened and that were starting to separate them from their natural and principal allies.   These fronts were in some cases recreating a world order that looked very much like the one preceding the Cold War.  In addition, because of these facts, the "Day After" is totally different from the previous ones.

"Damage By Fundamentalists...Unpredictable"

Top circulation conservative El Pais published an opinion piece by Ricardo Reilly (9/13): "Terrorism does not contemplate limits and does not measure the damage caused on human beings.  The fact that American and Israeli intelligence was taken by surprise was demonstrated.  They were not prepared for an attack of commercial airplanes with passengers used as lethal weapons and the damage that fundamentalist Islamic individuals can make anywhere at anytime is unpredictable."

"War Against Civilization"

Political-business El Observador editorialized (9/12):  "The terrorist organizations responsible for these actions as well as the countries which give them shelter must be punished not only by the United States but by a joint action of all those countries that believe in the human right to live in peace.  The celebrations on the part of Palestinian activists make us suspect of who the intellectual authors of this atrocity could be.   The United States was the primary and direct target of this insanity.  However, humankind was the final and collateral target.  The elimination of this threat is everyone's responsibility; it's not a matter of the United States against terrorism, it's the civilized world against barbarity.

"Bush Is Not Gandhi"

Leftist La Republica published an editorial by director Federico Fasano (9/12):  "Those who on behalf of their principles kill human beings are not worthy of our compassion. 

"How can we put an end to the theocratic fanaticism of these killers without putting an end--at the same time--to mass killings caused by hunger and by market fanatics whose only objective is to profit over all human necessities?  Socrates' ideas should be taken into account by the great sheriff of this planet who after finding out about this massacre left aside his state duties and said to a perplex world:  'I'm going hunting.'  In the old style of his Southern ancestors he is opening up the door for lynching....   Anything can happen with Mr. Bush at the White House. Obviously, Bush is not Gandhi.  He doesn't have the courage or moral principles of a Gandhi who with the only power of his peaceful beliefs made the British Empire kneel down.  Among his fellowworkers he reminds us of Truman eliminating Hiroshima with only one bomb called "little boy" which included 4 tons of uranium 235 and plutonium 239.  He also reminds us of Theodore Roosevelt and his big stick policy imposed to Latin America in the "Manifest Destiny".

PANAMA:  "To Rise From The Ashes"

Conservative El Panama America's editorial asserted (9/13): " The strength of the United States lies in its people not in its military, as big as it is.... Terrorism, wherever it comes from, will not make the Unites States nor its people give in....  The terrorists made a serious mistake by attacking the United States which is a noble nation, many times unaware, of the good or bad decisions taken by its government...the U.S will recuperate...the attack will only strengthen Americans' will and morals...when they are through counting and burying their dead, they will fiercely answer the murderers."

"A Dangerous Situation Will Affect All"

Sensationalist tabloid El Siglo editorialized (9/13):  "Colin Powell has been emphatic that his country will not be intimidated and will retaliate strongly against the terrorist acts....  Some nations like ours may become involved, since the U.S. considers both the guerrillas and the Colombian paramilitaries terrorists....  A dangerous situation that will affect all countries located at Colombia's borders, as some former Colombian presidents have stated, and we are one of those countries."

"And Now What?"

Sensationalist tabloid Critica Libre commented (9/13):  "With the fall of the World Trade Center, the Wall Street paralysis and the airplane crash in the Pentagon...the pieces of the power game are disorganized ...the consequences of what happened in Washington and New York will carry on globally.  No one will escape the effects... The powerful nations are clear about that and are probably already moving their chips.  With this hit to the already ailing world economy it is probable that all of them want to benefit risking very little.  It may sound cold but that is how things are in politics and the market.  And Panama? if it remains with arms crossed crying over what happened and passively waiting to suffer the effects of the catastrophe, it will continue to be a mere chip of relative importance and not a full member."

PERU: "Economic Uncertainty After The Attacks"

Conservative, influential leading El Comercio reasoned (9/13): “The infamous terrorist attack on the U.S. is generating volatility that has generated uncertainty on the world’s economic future.  One fact is clear: after the bloody Tuesday, there would not be objective reasons for a substantial alteration in the international economic and financial development since the U.S. productive infrastructure has not been affected.  However… the threat of war…has undoubtedly provoked stress in investors....  Meanwhile, the price of oil is a clear measure of how the terrorist crisis makes us fear a pernicious effect similar to the one in the 1970s, when the OPEC countries manipulated politically the price of oil.  Doubts are emerging with regard to the development of the raw material markets....  It is premature to be frightened.  But it is proper to carefully follow-up on the political and military decisions to be taken by the United States."

"Introspection"

Center-right opposition Expreso stressed (9/13): “Last Tuesday the world witnessed with horror the terrible attacks on New York and Washington....  After our first reaction of distress and sorrow for the innocent victims of insanity and fanaticism, we need to overcome our sorrow and draw some conclusions…  The crafty attack on the American giant’s heart made its power tumble.  The U.S. should begin a self-examination on the facts...when the U.S., confident of its power, interfered in other culture’s affairs based on a supposed right to impose ideals that were not common to millions of human beings.....   For us, Peruvians, who have suffered terrorism for ten years...this should be a signal of alert....  We hope that the tragic experience of the world’s most powerful nation serves us to be ready to react."

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO:  Limits Of Revenge"

The independent, mass circulation Trinidad Guardian held (9/13):  "It will be enormously difficult for the United States to adopt any but the most stringent reprisals against any country that is found to be protecting the World Trade Center and Pentagon terrorist attackers.  The event was too chilling, too horrendous, too enormous in its scale to be settled by mere words.  But at some point the killing will have to stop.  Let the Americans go after the criminals who brought death and destruction to New York and Washington and who, for all we know, may be preparing to strike again.  At the same time, the United States can indicate, in the variety ways open to diplomacy and the intelligence services, that it is willing to seek a compromise with Israel and with the Palestinians in order to reach a settlement of what seems to be an intractable problem. This is a big challenge for a great nation.  But rising to it seems to be the only hope for ending the hopeless cycle of killing that now, as the world has seen, is also able to engulf and wreak carnage in the most sensitive and precious places within the United States itself."

"Message In The Mayhem"

The mass-circulation, independent Trinidad Express stressed (9/13): "The one thing that the devastating terrorist assault on the United States on Tuesday has made painfully clear is that no country, and no one, is immune to this kind of mayhem. As more then one American commentator pointed out on Tuesday, if this kind of carnage could happen in the United States, the most powerful country in the world, it could happen anywhere....  For  most of us, the bloody conflict that daily goes on in the Middle East seems extremely remote and perhaps even irrelevant.  But we would be deluding ourselves if we ignored the fact that there are elements in our own society who clearly identify with some of the more extremist elements involved in that conflict....  Even as we come to terms with the awful tragedy thathas befallen the United States, we need to be aware of our own vulnerability to this kind of terror and to ensure that we never become so smug or complacent as to igonore the possibility that we, to, could become he victims for this kind of mayhem."

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