Attacks Reveal the Nature of Terrorism, Bush says ["terrorism violates every religion]

DoD - American Forces Press Service ^ | Aug. 25, 2003 | Jim Garamone

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Attacks Reveal the Nature of Terrorism, Bush says

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2003 - The terrorist attacks in Baghdad and Jerusalem will serve as an added spur in the war on terror, President Bush said during his radio address Saturday.

In both cases, the terrorists struck innocents in an effort to impose Taliban- like regimes on the world.

On Aug. 19, a truck bomb exploded outside the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad. The blast killed at least 20 people. "The U.N. personnel and Iraqi citizens killed in the bombings were engaged in a purely humanitarian mission," Bush said. "Men and women in the building were working on reconstruction, medical care for Iraqis and the distribution of food."

The U.N. representative for Iraq Sergio Vieira de Mello was among the dead. U.S. officials said the bombing was likely the work of former members of Saddam Hussein's regime.

Also on Aug. 19, a suicide terrorist in Jerusalem murdered 20 innocent people riding a bus, including five Americans. "The killer had concealed under his clothing a bomb filled with metal fragments, designed to kill and injure the greatest number of people possible," Bush said. "Among the 110 people hurt were 40 children." The Israeli police said the bomber was from Hamas.

Bush said the two bombings reveal, once again, the nature of the terrorists, and why they must be defeated. "In their malicious view of the world, no one is innocent," he noted. "Relief workers and infants alike are targeted for murder. Terrorism may use religion as a disguise, but terrorism violates every religion and every standard of decency and morality."

The president said the terrorists have declared war on every free nation. "Their goals are clear: They want more governments to resemble the oppressive Taliban that once ruled Afghanistan," he said. "Terrorists commit atrocities because they want the civilized world to flinch and retreat so they can impose their totalitarian vision."

Bush said the United States will not flinch in this war on terror, and there will not be a retreat. "From Afghanistan to Iraq, to the Philippines and elsewhere, we are waging a campaign against the terrorists and their allies, wherever they gather, wherever they plan, and wherever they act," he said.

"This campaign requires sacrifice, determination and resolve, and we will see it through," he continued. "Iraq is an essential front in this war. Now we're fighting terrorists and remnants of that regime who have everything to lose from the advance of freedom in the heart of the Middle East."

The president said that most of Iraq is making steady progress toward reconstruction and a stable, self-governing society. "This progress makes the remaining terrorists even more desperate and willing to lash out against symbols of order and hope, like coalition forces and U.N. personnel," he said. "The world will not be intimidated. A violent few will not determine the future of Iraq, and there will be no return to the days of Saddam Hussein's torture chambers and mass graves."

Bush said Iraqis are working with coalition forces to stop these assassins. Coalition forces acting on tips from ordinary Iraqis are increasing raids, seizing weapons and capturing enemy leaders. "The United States, the United Nations and the civilized world will continue to stand with the people of Iraq as they reclaim their nation and their future," he said.

The president said that all nations face a challenge and a choice. He said "terrorists are testing our will, hoping we will weaken and withdraw. Yet across the world, they are finding that our will cannot be shaken. Whatever the hardships, we will persevere. We will continue this war on terror until all the killers are brought to justice. And we will prevail."

[Sir Gawain]

Terrorism may use religion as a disguise, but terrorism violates every religion

One can only hope he doesn't believe this load of crap in his heart, and he's only saying it for public consumption.

[Poohbah]

Of course not. But hitting their holy cities and a universal outlaw on their "faith" would crimp them.

Or convince them that Armaggeddon has come.

There is a line of thought in Islam that the destruction of Mecca and Medina will be the signal for the final battle against the infidels.

Trust me, it would sell VERY nicely in the wake of actually destroying Mecca and Medina.

[Cultural Jihad]

Hardly. It's the same with the KKK or the so-called "Christian-Identity": they all use religion for irreligious, immoral, criminal, and terroristic purposes.

[Admin Moderator]

Knock off the genocide talk.

[Cacophonous]

Noone is talking genocide, and I apologize if anyone sees it that way.

[Cultural Jihad]

Noone is talking genocide, and I apologize if anyone sees it that way.

As if the holy cities you are cruelly calling for the destruction of are devoid of people.

[Sir Gawain]

There is no moral equivalency between Christianity and Islam.

The KKK etc. are twisting the words of the Bible. Islamic extremists are simply following the Koran as it was meant to be followed.

[Cultural Jihad]

Islamic extremists are simply following the Koran as it was meant to be followed.

Thanks for the effort to be a spokesperthing for what Islam teaches, and for providing reaon #34,565 that Sir Gawain is an internet personality and not the President of the United States.

[MJY1288]

"DoD playing catch up on the weekend's news"

I strongly disagree :-) The DoD is playing Fox. Many of us, including you, know the history of occupying forces and the challenges they have faced after defeating an enemy know perfectly well that this operation in Iraq is going quite well when compared to other occupations in the last century.

Since 9/11 it has been the same weak kneed cowards who have been second guessing this Administration and they know who they are. Their blame America first arguments have been predictable and I believe the DoD and the White House are setting these spineless liberals up for a really hard fall.

Thanks again for all you do to provide us with an accurate look into what's actually going on in Iraq.

MJY <--------------- SALUTES YOU!

[Cacophonous]

Genocide has to do with race. I was talking about a religion. Not a minor distinction. As a Christian, I would rather they all accept Christ, but that is not likely to happen.

But I'll tone it down.

[Sir Gawain]

Thanks for the effort to be a spokesperthing for what Islam teaches

Don't take my word for it. Visit any European mosque. Or continue to bury your head in the sand. The future will arrive regardless.

[Cultural Jihad]

But I'll tone it down.

Smart move, considering that at least three of your posts on this thread were removed this evening for violations of the rules.

[Cultural Jihad]

Be sure to post some KKK and Christian-Identity drivel, too, just to be consistent.

[Sir Gawain]

Hang on. I have to go find some Christian suicide bomber stories where children on buses are targeted. It might take a while.

[Cacophonous]

I just have to remember the no controversy rule.

[Concentrate]

But it's a valid, historical parallel. In the past, we destroyed cities in Germany and Japan because their rulers were our mortal enemies. Japan was taken over by the Shintoists, a politico-religious movement. We destroyed some of their principal cities in order to win the war on two fronts.

The question is: Would destroying some key cities of under enemy control be an acceptable remedy to this war we face today? Why, or why not?

I believe it is clear that our enemies in this struggle would not hesitate to destroy our cities if they could.

[Cultural Jihad]

I just have to remember the no controversy rule.

Controversy is whether viewing the color green effects one's ability to digest vegetables. The advocacy of mass murder is not controversial; it is intolerable.

If you are unable to follow the posting rules at FreeRepublic then you are free to post elsewhere.

[Cacophonous]

To suggest a valid historical parellel exists is to risk having your post removed; and CJ will suggest you carry UBL's water, although I'm not sure I see the connection. Maybe he can explain it.

[DreamWeaver]

Our troops can handle the enemy.

They certainly can, God Bless them. I have 2 nephews in the marines in the Gulf now , of whom I'm very proud of. We need more troops and I hope many more fine young men will sign up to serve our country. We're spread a bit too thin. If not, then I see a draft around the corner, (which looks like it's being considered) and might be the only way to go.

[Cultural Jihad]

I believe it is clear that our enemies in this struggle would not hesitate to destroy our cities if they could.

"Everyone else does it, and therefore it is okay that *I* do it."