Homeland Security

President Bush Pledges To Rout Terrorism "Wherever It Exists"

(U.S. will continue helping allies improve anti-terror capabilities)
(480)
Coinciding with the February 14 release of his new National Strategy
for Combating Terrorism, President Bush vowed to rout terrorism
wherever it exists and build "a safer, better world of greater
opportunity and freedom for all peoples."
In a statement released by the White House, Bush said the United
States "works closely with every nation committed to this fight and we
will continue to help our allies and friends improve their ability to
fight terror." The strategy focuses on taking the fight against
terrorists directly to them, isolating the terrorists from each other
and potential allies, and disrupting plots before attacks occur.
The anti-terrorism strategy is designed to complement key elements of
the National Security Strategy released last year as well as other
national strategies to promote homeland security, combat weapons of
mass destruction, secure cyberspace, protect critical national
infrastructure and control illicit drug trafficking.
Taken together "these efforts establish critical goals for
strengthening America's security against the threats of the 21st
century," the president said.
Following is the text of the President's statement:
(begin text)
February 14, 2003
Statement by the President
National Strategy for Combating Terrorism
Today I am pleased to issue the National Strategy for Combating
Terrorism. This strategy outlines the effort our nation is making to
win the war against global terror. The strategy complements important
elements of the National Security Strategy, as well as our National
Strategies for: Homeland Security, to Combat Weapons of Mass
Destruction, to Secure Cyberspace, for the Physical Protection of
Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets, and the National Drug Control
Strategy. Together these efforts establish critical goals for
strengthening America's security against the threats of the 21st
century.
The United States' strategy for combating terrorism focuses on taking
the fight to the terrorists themselves. We are using all elements of
our national power and international influence to attack terror
networks; reduce their ability to communicate and coordinate their
plans; isolate them from potential allies and from each other; and
identify and disrupt their plots before they attack. Our country works
closely with every nation committed to this fight, and we will
continue to help our allies and friends improve their ability to fight
terror.
The war against global terror will be hard and long. Today, terror
cells exist on nearly every continent and in dozens of countries,
including our own. Victory will depend on the courage, strength, and
fortitude of America's people and our partners around the world. It
will be measured through the steady, patient work of dismantling
terror networks and bringing terrorists to justice, oftentimes one by
one. Our nation is unalterably committed to protecting our citizens,
routing terror wherever it exists, and building a safer, better world
of greater opportunity and freedom for all peoples. We will not rest
until we succeed.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)