This is a time of testing; this time of testing has revealed the true character of the American people. We’re angry at the evil that was done to us, yet patient and just in our response.

Before Sept. 11, my administration was planning an initiative called Communities of Character. It was designed to help parents develop good character in their children and to strengthen the spirit of citizenship and service in our communities. The acts of Sept. 11 have prompted that initiative to occur on its own in ways far greater than I could have ever imagined.

We have shown great love for our country and great tolerance and respect for all our countrymen.

I was struck by this that in many cities when Christian and Jewish women learned that Muslim women, women of cover, were afraid of going out of their homes alone, that they went shopping with them, that they showed true friendship and support, an act that shows the world the true nature of America.

Our war on terrorism has nothing to do with differences in faith. It has everything to do with people of all faiths coming together to condemn hate and evil and murder and prejudice.

One month after great suffering and sorrow, America is strong and determined and generous. I am honored to lead such a country, and I know we are ready for the challenges ahead.

And now I welcome your questions.

Q: Thank you, sir.
You said that the threat is ongoing and indeed, the deadly virus of anthrax was found in three Florida people this week. Osama bin Laden’s spokesman says storms of planes are yet to be hijacked. Your FBI warned just today that terrorists attacks could be happening again in the next couple of days.

If the FBI knows of a credible threat, can you assure the public that you would take the precaution of locking down any system involved, whether it’s buildings, airports, water systems, to prevent more deaths? And most importantly, is there anything you can say to Americans who feel helpless to protect themselves and their families from the next wave of attacks if there are more to come?

What can people do to protect themselves?

BUSH: Sure. Today, the Justice Department did issue a blanket alert. It was in recognition of a general threat we received. This is not the first time the Justice Department have acted like this. I hope it’s the last, but given the attitude of the evildoers, it may not be.

I have urged my — our fellow Americans to go about their lives, to fly on airplanes, to travel, to go to work. But I also want to encourage them by telling them that our government is on full alert and that the alert put out today by the Justice Department was such an action.

Now, if we receive specific intelligence, where we — a credible threat that targets a specific building or city or facility, I can assure you, our government will do everything possible to protect the citizens around, in or near that facility.

And let me give you one example of a specific threat we received. You may remember recently there was a lot of discussion about crop-dusters. We received knowledge that perhaps an al-Qaida operative was prepared to use a crop-duster to spray a biological weapon or a chemical weapon on American people, and so we responded. We contacted every crop dust location, airports from which crop-dusters leave. We notified crop-duster manufacturers to a potential threat. We knew full well that in order for a crop-duster to become a weapon of mass destruction would require a retrofitting, and so we talked to machine shops around where crop-dusters are located.

We took strong and appropriate action, and we will do so anytime we receive a credible threat.

Now, the American people have got to go about their business.

We cannot let the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where we don’t conduct business or people don’t shop.

That’s their intention. Their intention was not only to kill and maim and destroy, their intention was to frighten to the point where our nation would not act. Their intention was to so frighten our government that we wouldn’t seek justice; that somehow we would cower in the face of their threats and not respond abroad or at home. We’re both responding abroad and at home.

The American people, obviously if they see something that is suspicious, something out of the norm that looks suspicious, they ought to notify local law authorities. But in the meantime, they ought to take comfort in knowing our government is doing everything we possibly can.

We’ve got a Homeland Security Office now running, as I mentioned, headed by Tom Ridge.

BUSH: We’re sharing intelligence with our friends in countries from overseas. We follow every lead. And information sharing between the CIA and the FBI is seamless so that the reaction to any threat is real-time.

And — but the truth of the matter is, in order to fully defend America, we must defeat the evildoers where they hide. We must round them up and we must bring them to justice.

And that’s exactly what we’re doing in Afghanistan, the first battle in the war of the 21st century.

Q: Yes, Mr. President. Thank you.

You’ve been careful to avoid saying how long the military strikes in Afghanistan might take place. But can you promise to say how long American — can you avoid being drawn into a Vietnam-like quagmire in Afghanistan?

BUSH: We learned some very important lessons in Vietnam. Perhaps the most important lesson that I learned is that you cannot fight a guerrilla war with conventional forces.

That’s why I have explained to the American people that we’re engaged in a different type of war, one obviously that will use conventional forces, but one in which we’ve got to fight on all fronts.

I remember saying to you all that the first shot in the war was when we started cutting of their money, because an al-Qaida organization can’t function without money. And we’re continuing our efforts to reach out to willing nations to disrupt and seize assets of the al-Qaida organization.

We’re in the process of rounding up al-Qaida members around the world. There are al-Qaida organizations in roughly 68 countries. And over 200 have now been apprehended. And every time I talk to a world leader I urge them to continue finding the al-Qaida representatives and bring them to justice.As far as the use of conventional forces, we’ve got a clear plan, and it’s to say to the host government that, “You have been given your chance.”

And by the way, I gave them ample opportunity to turn over al-Qaida. I made it very clear to them, in no uncertain terms, that in order to avoid punishment they should turn over the parasites that hide in their country.

They obviously refused to do so, and now they’re paying a price. We are dismantling their military, disrupting their communications, severing their ability to defend themselves, and slowly but surely we’re smoking al-Qaida out of their caves so we can bring them to justice.

People often ask me, “How long will this last?” This particular battle front will last as long as it takes to bring al-Qaida to justice. It may happen tomorrow, it may happen a month from now, it may take a year or two, but we will prevail.

And what the American people need to know is what our allies know: I am determined to stay the course. And we must do so. We must do so.

We must rid the world of terrorists so our children and grandchildren can grow up in freedom. It is essential. It is now our time to act, and I’m proud to lead a country that understands that.

Q: Mr. President, today Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said that Osama bin Laden was probably still in Afghanistan. How can the U.S. get him dead or alive, to use words that you’ve used recently, if we’re not entirely sure whether he’s in the country? And can we win the war on terrorism if bin Laden is not found?

BUSH: Ours is a war against terrorism in general. Mr. bin Laden is one of the worst, but as you may remember, we published the 22 most wanted. He is one of 22 we’re after.

In terms of Mr. bin Laden himself, we’ll get him running. We’ll smoke him out of his cave, and we’ll get him eventually.

But success or failure depends not on bin Laden.

Success or failure depends upon rooting out terrorism where it may exist all around the world. He’s just one person, a part of a network. And we’re slowly, but surely, with determined fashion, rooting that network out and bringing it to justice.

We’ve been active for a month. I intend to be giving you a briefing for as long as I am the president.

I understand this is an unconventional war. It’s a different kind of war. It’s not the kind of war we’re used to in America. The greatest generation was used to storming beachheads. Baby boomers such as myself was used to getting caught in a quagmire of Vietnam where politics made decisions more than the military sometimes. Generation X was able to watch technology right in front of their TV screens, you know, burrow into concrete bunkers in Iraq and blow them up.

This is a different kind of war that requires a different type of approach and a different type of mentality.

And so we’re going to slowly but surely tighten the net on terrorists wherever they live. And it’s essential to do so now. It’s essential to do so now.

BUSH: The actions my government takes in concert with other countries, the actions we take at home to defend ourselves, will serve as a go-by for future presidents or future prime ministers in Britain, for example, or future FBI directors. It is important that we stay the course, bring these people to justice to show — and show others how to fight the new wars of the 21st century.

Q: Mr. President, on that note, we understand you have advisers who are urging you to go after Iraq, take out Iraq, Syria and so forth. Do you really think that the American people will tolerate you widening the war beyond Afghanistan? And I have a follow-up.

BUSH: Thank you for warning me.

Our focus is on Afghanistan and the terrorist network hiding in Afghanistan right now. But as well, we’re looking for al-Qaida cells around the world. If we find an al-Qaida cell operating, we will urge the host country to bring them to justice. And we’re having some progress — we’re making progress.

As I mentioned, this is a long war against terrorist activity, and the doctrine I spelled out to the American people in front of Congress said not only will we seek out and bring to justice individual terrorists who cause harm to people — to murder people, we will also bring to justice the host governments that sponsor them, that house them and feed them.

You mentioned Iraq. There’s no question that the leader of Iraq is an evil man. After all, he gassed his own people. We know he’s been developing weapons of mass destruction. And I think it’s in his advantage to allow inspectors back in his country to make sure that he’s conforming to the agreement he made after he was soundly trounced in the Gulf War. And so we’re watching him very carefully.

We’re watching him carefully.

Your follow-up, please?

Q: It’s a little offbeat, but...

BUSH: OK, well, I expect an offbeat question, frankly.

Q: You’ve met twice in the White House since you’ve been in office with Prime Minister Sharon, but you have refused to meet with Yasser Arafat. Now that you envision a Palestinian state, will you see and will you meet with Arafat? And if so, when?

BUSH: I want to assure the American people, and particularly our allies who are interested in our position in the Middle East, that we’re spending a lot of time dealing with the Middle East. I know there was some concern amongst our allies when the Sept. 11 — right after the Sept. 11 attack, that we would forgo any responsibility we have in the Middle East.

Secretary of State Powell is doing a great job of staying in contact with both Mr. Arafat and Prime Minister Sharon.

I have met with Prime Minister Sharon, and I have assured him every time we’ve met that he has no better friend than the United States of America.

I also stated the other day that if we ever get into the Mitchell process, where we can start discussing a political solution in the Middle East, that I believe there ought to be a Palestinian state, the boundaries of which will be negotiated by the parties so long as the Palestinian state recognizes the right of Israel to exist and will treat Israel with respect and will be peaceful on her borders.

Obviously, the events of Sept. 11 have prevented overt diplomacy in the Middle East — not prevented it; just made it — my calendar’s a little crowded.

On the other hand, I am very much engaged. I have spoken to Prime Minister Sharon again. And if I am convinced that a meeting with a particular party at this point in time will further the process, I will do so. If it turns out to be an empty photo opportunity that creates expectations that will become dashed, I won’t meet.

I hope progress is being made. I was pleased to see that Mr. Arafat is trying to control the radical elements within the Palestinian Authority.

And I think the world ought to applaud him for that.

I hope he’s taking measures necessary to reduce the violence in the Middle East so that we can get into the Mitchell process. We’re working hard on the topic. It’s a very important part of our foreign policy.

Q: Mr. President, good evening.

I’d like to ask you for a more complete portrait of your progress so far.

Can you tell the American people specifically what is the state of Osama bin Laden? What is the state of the al-Qaida network? Are they on the run? To what extent have you been able to disrupt their activities? Do you believe there are members of those cells still in the United States capable of carrying out terrorist acts? And again, do you know whether Osama bin Laden is dead or alive?

BUSH: Yes. Let me start backwards. I don’t know if he is dead or alive. I want him brought to justice, however.

We are following every possible lead to make sure that any al-Qaida member that could be in the United States is brought to justice.
The FBI has got thousands of agents who are following every hint of a possibility of an al-Qaida member in our country. We’re chasing down the leads that have been given to us as a result of the bombing. And we’re following other leads.

Let me say one thing about the FBI that I think people find interesting. All of us in government are having to adjust our way of thinking about the new war. The military is going to have to adjust. They recognize — and Secretary Rumsfeld clearly understands this — that we need to have a — that we need to rethink how we configure our military — there’s been some stories to that effect — so that we more effectively respond to asymmetrical responses from terrorist organizations.

The FBI must think differently, and Director Mueller is causing them to do so. The FBI, as you know, spent a lot of manpower and time chasing Cold — spies. In the post-Cold War era, they were still chasing spies.

Nothing wrong with that, except we have a new enemy. And now the FBI is rightly directing resources toward homeland security. It’s been an adjustment, and I’m proud to report that Director Mueller has adjusted quickly.

I am confident that the al-Qaida organization is moving around Afghanistan. They think they might find safe haven? Not if we think they’re there. And we got them on the run.

The other day we brought to justice a person that killed an American citizen in 1986. He was charged with murder. And I made a point of talking about that in a press conference because I wanted not only terrorists to understand, but the American people to understand that we’ll be patient, if need be, to bring them to justice. We’ll find them.

This is an interesting case in Afghanistan, because he thought he had hijacked a country. He actually did for a while. He forced a country to accept his radical thoughts, and it became a safe haven for bin Laden and the al-Qaida organization.

It’s no longer a safe haven, that’s for sure, because of our military activity.

Q: Mr. President, you have tried very had to assure Americans that the country is safe, and yet your own vice president has spent this week in a secure location. Can you explain why that is, and also how long that will last?

BUSH: Sure. I shook hands with the vice president today in the Oval Office. I welcomed him out of his secure location.

There are some times when the vice president and I will be together and some times we won’t be. We take very seriously the notion of the continuity of government. It’s a responsibility we share to make sure that, under situations such as this, when there are possible threats facing our government, that we separate ourselves for the sake of continuity of our government.

And I was pleased to see him; he’s looking swell.

Q: Thank you, Mr. President.

Sir, some critics have expressed doubts about trying to get nations that once sponsored terrorism to now cooperate in the effort against terrorism.

Would you share your thinking with us, sir? And is it your view that every sinner should get a chance to redeem himself; that there is, in effect, an amnesty for nations that once sponsored terrorism if they will now stop and cooperate with us?

BUSH: Of course. But our ability to affect host nations harboring terrorists will depend upon our determination, our will, our patience. We are sending a signal to the world as we speak that if you harbor a terrorist, there will be a price to pay.

And the — there are nations in the world that have — that have expressed a desire to help. Helen mentioned Syria. The Syrians have talked to us about how they can help in the war against terrorism. We take that — we take that seriously and we’ll give them an opportunity to do so.

BUSH: I’m a performance-oriented person. I believe in results. And if you want to join the coalition against terror, we’ll welcome you in. I have recognized some countries will do things that, you know, some — that others won’t do.

All I ask is for results. If you say you want to join us to cut off money, show us the money. If you say you want to join us militarily like Great Britain does, do so. And they have done so in a fashion that should make the people of Great Britain proud.

If you’re interested in sharing intelligence, share intelligence — all ways. I appreciated diplomatic talk, but I’m more interested in action and results.

I am absolutely determined — absolutely determined to root terrorism out where it exists and bring them to justice.

We learned a good lesson on Sept. 11, that there is evil in this world. I know there’s a lot of children in America wondering what took place. I think it’s essential that all moms and dads and citizens tell their children we love them and there is love in the world, but also remind them there are evil people.

And it’s my duty as the president of the United States to use the resources of this great nation, a freedom-loving nation, a compassionate nation, a nation that understands values of life, and root terrorism out where it exists.

And we’re going to give plenty of nations a chance to do so.

Q: After the FBI warning of today, which was based, it said, on certain information that there would be retaliatory attacks over the next several days, given the complete generality of that warning, what does it really accomplish, aside from scaring people into not doing what you’ve urged them to do — getting back to their normal lives? What should they do with it? And did you personally approve the issuance of that warning?

BUSH: I’m aware of the intelligence that caused the warning to be issued, and it was a general threat on America. And as I mentioned earlier, had it been a specific threat, we would have contacted those to whom the threat was directed.

But I think it is important for the American people to know their government is on full alert. And that’s what that warning showed. We take every threat seriously. And the American people shouldn’t be surprised that we are issuing alerts. After all, on our TV screens the other day, we saw the evil one threatening, calling for more destruction and death in America.

And so we should take these threats seriously. And we had another threat, a general threat. Had it been specific, we would have dealt with the specifics of the threat.

I think the American people should take comfort in the fact that their government is doing everything we possibly can do to run down every possible lead and take threats — and we take threats seriously.

I think the American people do understand that after Sept. 11, that we’re facing a different world, and they accept that responsibility. They accept that responsibility.

There is, I think, some positive news about the American people reacting to what we’re doing. The load factors on airplanes are increasing. Now, I recognize certain routes have been reduced, but, nevertheless, people are getting back on airplanes. That’s important, that that be the case.

Hotels are getting more customers. That’s important for the working people of the country.

We are getting back to normal. We’re doing so with a new sense of awareness. And the warning that went out today helped to heighten that sense of awareness.

Q: Mr. President, you’ve said on repeated occasions that you’re not into nation-building. Yet it appears in this case, given the politics of the region, it may play a crucial role in resolving this crisis.

Prime Minister Blair of Britain has said that the coalition, if the Taliban falls, will work to create a broadly based government. I’m wondering, sir, has that become a priority of your administration now to devise a plan for a new government in Afghanistan? And what part might King Zahir Shah play in that?

BUSH: Well, I think it’s — first let me reiterate, my focus is bringing al-Qaida to justice and saying to the host government, “You had your chance to deliver.”

Actually, I will say it again. “If you cough him up, and his people, today, that we’ll reconsider what we’re doing to your country. You still have a second chance. Just bring him in, and bring his leaders and lieutenants and other thugs and criminals with him.”

BUSH: I think we did learn a lesson, however, from — and should learn a lesson from the previous engagement in the Afghan area, that we should not just simply leave after a military objective has been achieved.

That’s why — and I sent that signal by announcing that we’re going to spend $330 million of aid to Afghan — the Afghan people. That’s up from roughly $170 million this year.

I personally think that a — and I appreciate Tony Blair’s — and I’ve discussed this with him — his vision about Afghan after we’re successful — Afghanistan after we’re successful.

One of the things that we’ve got make sure of is that all parties — all interested parties have an opportunity to be a part of a new government, that we shouldn’t play favorites between one group or another within Afghanistan.

Secondly, we’ve got work for a stable Afghanistan so that her neighbors don’t fear terrorist activity again coming out of that country.

Third, it’d be helpful, of course, to eradicate narcotrafficking out of Afghanistan as well.

I believe that the United Nations could provide the framework necessary to help meet those conditions. It would be a useful function for the United Nations to take over the so-called nation-building — I would call it the stabilization of a future government — after our military mission is complete.

We’ll participate. Other countries will participate. I’ve talked to many countries that are interested in making sure that the post-operations Afghanistan is one that is stable and one that doesn’t become yet again a haven for terrorist criminals.

Q: Mr. President, I’m sure many Americans are wondering where all of this will lead. And you’ve called upon the country to go back to business and to go back to normal, but you haven’t called for any sacrifices from the American people. And I wonder, do you feel that any will be needed? Are you planning to call for any? And do you think that American life will really go back to the way it was on Sept. 10?

BUSH: Well, you know, I think the American people are sacrificing now.

I think they’re waiting in airport lines longer than they’ve ever had before.

I think that — I think there’s a certain sacrifice when you lose a piece of your soul. And Americans — listen, I was standing up there at the Pentagon today and I saw the tears of the families whose lives were lost in the Pentagon. And I said in my talk there that, “America prays with you.” I think there’s a sacrifice. There’s a certain sense of giving themselves to share their grief with people that they’ll maybe never see in their lives.

So America is sacrifice. I think the interesting thing that has happened, and this is so sad an incident, but there are some positive things that are developing.

One is I believe that many people are reassessing what’s important in life. Moms and dads are not only reassessing their marriage and the importance of their marriage, but of the necessity of loving their children like never before.

I think that’s one of the positives that have come from the evildoers.

The evil ones have sparked an interesting change in America, I think, a compassion in our country that is overflowing. I know their intended act was to destroy us and make us cowards and make us not want to respond, but quite the opposite has happened. Our nation is united, we are strong, we’re compassionate, neighbors care about neighbors.

The story I talked about earlier was one that really touched my heart, about women of cover fearing to leave their homes, and there was such an outpouring of compassion for people within our own country, a recognition that the Islamic faith should stand side by side, hand to hand with the Jewish faith and the Christian faith in our great land. It is such a wonderful example.

You know, I’m asked all the time, I’ll ask myself a question: How do I respond to ...

It’s an old trick. How do I ...

How do I respond when I see that in some Islamic countries there is vitriolic hatred for America? I’ll tell you how I respond: I’m amazed.

I’m amazed that there’s such misunderstanding of what our country is about that people would hate us. I am — like most Americans, I just can’t believe it because I know how good we are.

And we’ve got to do a better job of making our case. We’ve got to do a better job of explaining to the people in the Middle East, for example, that we don’t fight a war against Islam or Muslims. We don’t hold any religion accountable. We’re fighting evil.

And these murderers have hijacked a great religion in order to justify their evil deeds. And we cannot let it stand.

Q: Mr. President, you have spoken with great pride of this international coalition. I want to ask you, before the events of Sept. 11, one of the big questions you faced this fall was would you violate the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty and go ahead with the missile defense plan if Russia did not strike a deal. Will you do that now because Russia’s cooperation is so important?

And separately, but related, are you disappointed that while there have been some statements of support from the Muslim world that there have — and the Arab world, that there have not been more vocal and repeated statements agreeing with you that this is a war against terrorism, not Islam?

BUSH: Let me start with the latter part. I was heartened by the Organization of Islamic Conference’s statement of support for our war against terror. I think that statement spoke volumes about the attitude of Muslim nations, and I was pleased to see that support.

Some coalition members will feel more comfortable doing certain things than other coalition members will. And my attitude is, and the attitude of my administration is, we will accept any help that a government’s comfortable in giving. And we should not try to force governments to do something that they can’t do.

Any help is better than no help. And so I am so appreciative of the help we are getting in the Middle East.

Somebody asked me the other day was I pleased with the actions of Saudi Arabia. I am. I appreciate the actions of that government.

In terms of missile defense, I can’t wait to visit with my friend Vladimir Putin in Shanghai to reiterate, once again, that the Cold War is over, it’s done with, and that there are new threats that we face.

And no better example of that new threat than the attack on America on Sept. 11.

And I’m going to ask my friend to envision a world in which a terrorist thug and-or a host nation might have the ability to develop — to deliver a weapon of mass destruction via a — via rocket. And wouldn’t it be in our nations’ advantage to be able to shoot it down?

At the very least, it should be in our nations’ advantage to determine whether we can shoot it down. And we’re restricted from doing that because of an ABM Treaty that was signed during a totally different era. The case cannot be even — the case is more strong today than it was on Sept. 10 that the ABM is outmoded, outdated, reflects a different time.

And I am more than anxious to continue making my case to them, and we will do what’s right in regards...(inaudible)

Q: ... does not agree, would you withdraw this year?

BUSH: Excuse me. I’m having trouble hearing.

Q: If he does not agree with you, would you withdraw from the ABM Treaty this year?

BUSH: I have told Mr. Putin that the ABM Treaty is outdated, antiquated and useless. And I hope that he will join us in a new strategic relationship.

One more question, please. Thank you.

Q: You talk about the general threat toward Americans. The Internet is crowded with all sorts of rumor and gossip and, kind of, urban myths. And people ask us, what is it they’re supposed to be on the lookout for? Other than the 22 most wanted terrorists, what are Americans supposed to look for and report to the police or to the FBI?

BUSH: You know, if you find a person that you’ve never seen before getting in a crop-duster that doesn’t belong to you, report it.

If you see suspicious people lurking around petrochemical plants, report it to law enforcement. I mean, people need to be logical.

And listen, I want to urge my fellow Americans not to use this as an opportunity to pick on somebody that doesn’t look like you or doesn’t share your religion.

The thing that makes our nation so strong and that will ultimately defeat terrorist activity is our willingness to tolerate people of different faiths, different opinions, different colors within the fabric of our society.

And so I would urge my fellow Americans, obviously, if they see something suspicious, abnormal, something that looks threatening, report it to local law enforcement.

Let me conclude...

Let me conclude by one final statement. Thank you all for coming.

Before we leave, I want to make a special request to the children of America. I ask you to join in a special effort to help the children of Afghanistan. Their country has been through a great deal of war and suffering. Many children there are starving and are severely malnourished. One in three Afghan children is an orphan, almost half suffer chronic malnutrition, and we can and must help them.

We’ve created a special relief effort that will be supervised by the Red Cross.

We are asking every child in America to earn or give a dollar that will be used to provide food and medical help for the children of Afghanistan. You can send your dollar in an envelope marked “America’s Fund for Afghan Children” right here to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

This is an opportunity to help others while teaching our own children a valuable lesson about service and character. I hope school classes or Boys and Girl Scout troops, other youth organizations will participate in any way to raise the money to send to the children. Wash a car. Do a yard for a neighbor. And I hope the adults will help them as well.

Ultimately, one of the best weapons, one of the truest weapons that we have against terrorism is to show the world the true strength of character and kindness of the American people.

Americans are united in this fight against terrorism. We’re also united in our concern for the innocent people of Afghanistan.
Winter is coming, and by acting today we can help the children survive.

Thank you for your questions.

May God bless America.