- WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President
Bush on Saturday told Americans celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday to
brace themselves for "difficult times ahead" as the offensive
in Afghanistan enters a more perilous phase.
Despite recent gains against the Taliban and Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda
network, Bush said "the fight we have begun will not be quickly or
easily finished."
"Our enemies hide and plot in many nations. They are devious and ruthless."
"Yet we are confident in the justice of our cause. We will fight for
as long as it takes, and we will prevail," Bush said in his weekly
radio address, as Americans gathered with their families for the long holiday
weekend.
Bush spent Thanksgiving at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland's
Catoctin mountains, where he consulted with top aides on the bombing campaign
and the hunt for bin Laden, whom Washington accuses of masterminding the
attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
With al Qaeda and Taliban members retreating to caves and tunnels deep
in the Afghan mountains, Bush has warned that "the most difficult
steps" lay ahead.
He has also warned nations that sponsor terrorism that Washington could
launch preemptive strikes against groups that may be planning new attacks
against the United States.
"America's not waiting for terrorists to try to strike us again. Wherever
they hide, wherever they plot, we will strike the terrorists," he
told troops this week.
In his radio address, Bush sought to rally Americans for a protracted fight,
telling them that despite recent tragedies they had "much to be thankful
for" -- from the bravery of U.S. troops to the bonds of family and
faith.
"We're thankful for the character of our fellow citizens who are flying
flags and donating to charity and comforting those who grieve. Americans
have aided the families of victims, and the starving children of Afghanistan,
half a world away," Bush said.
But he urged Americans to do more to support the troops overseas and help
others at home.
"Comfort those who feel afraid; show your kindness to a Muslim neighbor;
help someone in need of shelter, or food, or words of hope; and continue
to pray for America," Bush said.
"May God grant us patience, resolve and wisdom in all that is to come,"
he added.
- Copyright 2001 Reuters News Service. All rights reserved.
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