The East Room

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1.State of war against terrorDiplomatic front Law enforcement front Office of Homeland Security Mutual respect among all Americans 2.Blanket alert by Justice DepartmentU.S. response to crop duster threat Need for Americans to resume businessAirplane loads, hotel occupancy Intelligence sharing, domestically and internationally U.S. government on full alert 3.Lessons learned in VietnamApprehension of al Qaeda members Use of conventional forces Timeframe 4.Benchmarks of success in war on terrorismWars of other generations 5.Widening the war beyond AfghanistanIraq 6.The Middle East 7.State of bin Laden, al Qaeda networkAdjustments within FBI al Qaeda's mobility 8.Vice President Cheney at secure location 9.Support from certain nationsSyria Performance-oriented view 10.Nation-BuildingSecond chance for Taliban U.S.'s increased aid for Afghanistan Role of United Nations 11.Sacrifices from the American people 12.President's response to hatred for America 13.Support from Muslim world, Arab world 14.ABM Treaty 15.Vigilance Among Americans 16.America's Fund for Afghan Children

8:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:Goodevening.Thank you.Good evening.Iwould like to report to the Americanpeople on the state of our war againstterror, and then I'll be happy to takequestions from the White House presscorps.

One month ago today, innocentcitizens from more than 80 nations were attacked and killed, without warning orprovocation, in an act that horrified not only every American, but every person of everyfaith, and every nation that values human life.

The attack took place on American soil, but it was an attack on the heart and soulof the civilized world.And the world has come together to fight a new and different war,the first, and we hope the only one, of the 21st century.A war against all those whoseek to export terror, and a war against those governments that support or shelterthem.

We've accomplished a great deal in one month.Our staunch friends, Great Britain,our neighbors Canada and Mexico, our NATO allies, our allies in Asia, Russia andnations from every continent on the Earth have offered help of one kind or another --from military assistance to intelligence information, to crack down on terrorists'financial networks.This week, 56 Islamic nations issued a statement stronglycondemning the savage acts of terror, and emphasizing that those acts contradict thepeaceful teachings of Islam.

All is strong and united on the diplomatic front.The men and women of theUnited States military are doing their duty with skill and success. We have ruinedterrorist training camps, disrupted their communications, weakened the Talibanmilitary, and destroyed most of their air defenses.

We're mounting a sustained campaign to drive the terrorists out of their hiddencaves and to bring them to justice.All missions are being executed according to planon the military front.At the same time, we are showing the compassion of America bydelivering food and medicine to the Afghan people who are, themselves, the victims ofa repressive regime.

On the law enforcement front, terrorists are being swept up in an internationaldragnet.Several hundred have been arrested. Thousands of FBI agents are on thetrail of other suspects here and abroad. Working with countries around the world, wehave frozen more than $24 million in al Qaeda or Taliban assets.

We are aggressively pursuing the agents of terror around the world, and we areaggressively strengthening our protections here at home.This week we establishedAmerica's new Office of Homeland Security, directed by former Governor TomRidge.Americans tonight can know that while the threat is ongoing, we are takingevery possible step to protect our country from danger.

Your government is doing everything we can to recover from these attacks, and totry to prevent others.We're acting to make planes and airports safer, rebuild NewYork and the Pentagon.We must act to stimulate a slow economy, to help laid-offworkers.And we must fund our military.

This is a time of testing -- this time of testing has revealed the true character of theAmerican people.We're angry at the evil that was done to us, yet patient and just inour response.

Before September 11th, my administration was planning an initiative calledCommunities of Character.It was designed to help parents develop good character inour children, and to strengthen a spirit of citizenship and service in ourcommunities.The acts of September 11th have prompted that initiative to occur on itsown, in ways far greater than I could have ever imagined.We've shown great love forour country, and great tolerance and respect for all our countrymen.

I was struck by this:that in many cities, when Christian and Jewish women learnthat 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 -- anact that shows the world the true nature of America.

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

One month after great suffering and sorrow, America is strong and determined andgenerous.I'm honored to lead such a country, and I know we are ready for thechallenges ahead.

And, now, I welcome your questions.

Ron.

QThank you, sir.You said that the threat is ongoing, and, indeed, the deadlyvirus of anthrax was found in three Florida people this week.Osama bin Laden'sspokesman says storms of planes are yet to be hijacked.Your FBI warned just todaythat terrorist 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 takethe precaution of locking down any system involved, whether it's buildings, airports,water systems, to prevent more deaths?And, most importantly, is there anything youcan say to Americans who feel helpless to protect themselves and their families fromthe next wave of attacks, if there are more to come?What can people do to protectthemselves?

THE PRESIDENT:Sure.Today, the Justice Department did issue a blanketalert.It was in recognition of a general threat we received. This is not the first time theJustice Department have acted like this.I hope it's the last.But, given the attitude ofthe evildoers, it may not be.

I have urged our fellow Americans to go about their lives, to fly on airplanes, totravel, to go to work.But I also want to encourage them by telling them that ourgovernment is on full alert.And that -- the alert put out today from the JusticeDepartment was such an action.

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

And let me give you one example of a specific threat we received.You mayremember recently there was a lot of discussion about crop dusters.We receivedknowledge that perhaps an al Qaeda operative was prepared to use a crop duster tospray a biological weapon or a chemical weapon on American people.And so weresponded.We contacted every crop-dust location, airports from which crop dustersleave, we notified crop duster manufactures to a potential threat.We knew full wellthat in order for a crop duster to become a weapon of mass destruction would require aretrofitting, and so we talked to machine shops around where crop dusters arelocated.We took strong and appropriate action.And we will do so any time wereceive a credible threat.

Now, the American people have got to go about their business.We cannotlet the terrorists achieve the objective of frightening our nation to the point where wedon't -- where we don't conduct business, where people don't shop.That's theirintention.Their intention was not only to kill and maim and destroy.Their intentionwas to frighten to the point where our nation would not act.Their intention was to sofrighten our government that we wouldn't seek justice; that somehow we would cowerin the face of their threats and not respond, abroad or at home.

We're both responding abroad and at home. The American people, obviously, ifthey see something that is suspicious, something out of the norm that lookssuspicious, they ought to notify local law authorities. But in the meantime, they oughtto 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 TomRidge.We're sharing intelligence with our friends in countries from overseas.Wefollow 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, inorder to fully defend America, we must defeat the evildoers where they hide.Wemust round them up, and we must bring them to justice.And that's exactly what we'redoing in Afghanistan -- the first battle in the war of the 21st century.

Steve.

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

THE PRESIDENT:We learned some very important lessons in Vietnam. Perhapsthe most important lesson that I learned is that you cannot fight a guerrilla war withconventional forces.That's why I've explained to the American people that we'reengaged in a different type of war; one obviously that will use conventional forces, butone 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 startedcutting off their money, because an al Qaeda organization can't function withoutmoney.And we're continuing our efforts to reach out to willing nations to disrupt andseize assets of the al Qaeda organization.

We are in the process of rounding up al Qaeda members around the world.Thereare al Qaeda organizations in, roughly, 68 countries.And over 200 have now beenapprehended.And every time I talk to a world leader, I urge them to continue findingthe al Qaeda 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 tothe host government that you have been given your -- and by the way, I gave themample opportunity to turn over al Qaeda.I made it very clear to them, in no uncertainterms, that in order to avoid punishment, they should turn over the parasites that hidein their country. They obviously refused to do so.And now they're paying a price.Weare dismantling their military, disrupting their communications, severing their ability todefend themselves.And slowly, but surely, we're smoking al Qaeda out of their cavesso we can bring them to justice.

People often ask me, how long will this last?This particular battlefront will lastas long as it takes to bring al Qaeda to justice.It may happen tomorrow; it mayhappen a month from now; it may take a year or two.But we will prevail.And whatthe American people need to know is what our allies know:I am determined to staythe course.And we must do so.We must do so.We must rid the world of terroristsso our children and grandchildren can grow up in freedom.It is essential.It is now ourtime to act.And I'm proud to lead a country that understands that.

QMr. President, today, Defense Secretary Rumsfeld said that Osama binLaden 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 thecountry?And can we win the war on terrorism if bin Laden is not found?

THE PRESIDENT:Ours is a war against terrorism in general.Mr. bin Laden is a --is one of the worst.But as you may remember, we published the 22 Most Wanted;he's one of 22 we're after.In terms of Mr. bin Laden himself, we'll get himrunning.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 dependsupon routing out terrorism where it may exist all around the world. He's just oneperson, a part of a network.And we're slowly, but surely, with determined fashion,routing 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'mthe President.I understand this is a unconventional war.It's a different kind ofwar.It's not the kind of war that we're used to in America.The Greatest Generationwas used to storming beachheads.Baby boomers such as myself, were used togetting caught in a quagmire of Vietnam where politics made decisions more than themilitary sometimes.Generation X was able to watch technology right in front of theirTV screens -- you know, burrow into concrete bunkers in Iraq and blow them up.Thisis a different kind of war that requires a different type of approach and a different type ofmentality.

And so we're going to slowly, but surely, tighten the net on terrorists, wherever theylive.And it's essential to do so now.It's essential to do so now.The actions mygovernment takes, in concert with other countries, the actions we take at home todefend ourselves will serve as a go-by for future presidents, or future prime ministers inBritain, 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 ofthe 21st century.

Helen.

QMr. President, on that note, we understand you have advisors who are urgingyou to go after Iraq, take out Iraq, Syria and so forth.Do you really think that theAmerican people will tolerate you widening the war beyond Afghanistan?And Ihave a follow-up.(Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:Thank you for warning me. (Laughter.)

Our focus is on Afghanistan, and the terrorist network hiding in Afghanistan, rightnow.But, as well, we're looking for al Qaeda cells around the world.If we find an alQaeda cell operating, we will urge the host country to bring them to justice.And we'rehaving some progress, we're making progress.

We -- as I mentioned, Helen, this is a long war against terrorist activity.And thedoctrine I spelled out to the American people in front of Congress said not only will weseek out and bring to justice individual terrorists who cause harm to people, to murderpeople, we will also bring to justice the host governments that sponsor them, thathouse them and feed them.

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

Your follow-up, please.

QIt's a little offbeat, but -- (laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT:Okay.Well, I expect an offbeat question, frankly.

Q-- you've met twice in the White House since you've been in office with PrimeMinister Sharon.But you have refused to meet with Yasser Arafat.Now that youenvision a Palestinian state, will you meet with Arafat and, if so, when?

THE PRESIDENT:I want to assure the American people, in particular our allieswho are interested in our position in the Middle East, that we're spending a lot of timedealing with the Middle East.I know there was some concern amongst our allieswhen the September 11th -- right after the September 11th attack, that we wouldforego any responsibility we have in the Middle East.Secretary of State Powell isdoing a great job of staying in contact with both Mr. Arafat and Prime Minister Sharon.

I have met with Prime Minister Sharon, and I've assured him every time we've metthat he has no better friend than the United States of America. I also stated the otherday that if we ever get into the Mitchell process where we can start discussing apolitical 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 Palestinianstate recognizes the right of Israel to exist and will treat Israel with respect, and will bepeaceful on her borders.

Obviously, the events of September 11th have prevented overt diplomacy in theMiddle East -- not prevented it, it just made it -- my calendar is a little crowded.Onthe other hand, I am very much engaged.I have spoken to Prime Minister Sharonagain.And if I am convinced that a meeting with a particular party at this point in timewill further the process, I will do so.If it turns out to be an empty photo opportunitythat 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 tocontrol the radical elements within the Palestinian Authority. And I think the worldought to applaud him for that.I hope he's taking measures necessary to reduce theviolence in the Middle East, so that we can get into the Mitchell process.

We're working hard on the topic, Helen. It's a very important part of our foreignpolicy.

David.

QMr. President, good evening.I'd like to ask you for a more complete portrait ofyour progress so far.Can you tell the American people, specifically, what is the stateof Osama bin Laden?What is the state of the al Qaeda network?Are they on therun?To what extent have you been able to disrupt their activities?Do you believethere are members of those cells still in the United States capable of carrying outterrorist acts?And, again, do you know whether Osama bin Laden is dead or alive?

THE PRESIDENT:Let me start backwards.I don't know if he's dead or alive.Iwant him brought to justice, however.We are following every possible lead to makesure that any al Qaeda member that could be in the United States is brought tojustice.The FBI has got thousands of agents who are following every hint of apossibility of an al Qaeda in our country. We're chasing down the leads of -- that havebeen 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 ingovernment are having to adjust our way of thinking about the new war.The military isgoing to have to adjust.They recognize -- and Secretary Rumsfeld clearlyunderstands this -- that we need to have a -- that we need to rethink how we configureour military -- there's been some stories to that effect -- so that we can more effectivelyrespond to assymetrical responses from terrorist organizations.The FBI must thinkdifferently, and Director Mueller is causing them to do so.

The FBI, as you know, spent a lot of manpower and time chasing -- spies in apost-Cold War era.They were still chasing spies.Nothing wrong with that, except wehave a new enemy.And now, the FBI is rightly directing resources toward homelandsecurity.It's been an adjustment. And I'm proud to report that Director Mueller hasadjusted quickly.

I am confident that the al Qaeda organization is moving aroundAfghanistan.They think they might find safe haven.Not if we think they'rethere.And we've got them on the run.

The other day, we brought to justice a person that killed an American citizen in1986.He was charged with murder.And I made a point of talking about that in apress conference because I wanted not only terrorists to understand, but the Americanpeople understand that we'll be patient, if need be, to bring them to justice.We'll findthem.

And he thought this -- this is an interesting case in Afghanistan because it's -- hethought he had hijacked a country.He actually did for a while.He forced a country toaccept his radical thoughts.And it became a safe haven for bin Laden and the alQaeda organization.It's no longer a safe haven, that's for sure, because our militaryactivity, David.

Yes, Elizabeth.

QMr. President, you've tried very hard to assure Americans that the country issafe, and yet your own Vice President has spent most of this week in a securelocation.Can you explain why that is, and also how long that will last?

THE PRESIDENT:Sure.I shook hands with the Vice President today in the OvalOffice.I welcomed him out of his secure location.(Laughter.) There are some timeswhen the Vice President and I will be together, and sometimes we won't be.We takevery 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 facingour government, that we separate ourselves, for the sake of continuity of ourgovernment.And I was pleased to see him. He's looking swell. (Laughter.)

Jim.

QThank you, Mr. President.Sir, some critics have expressed doubts abouttrying to get nations that once sponsored terrorism to now cooperate in the effortagainst terrorism.Would you share your thinking with us, sir, and is it your view thatevery sinner should get a chance to redeem himself -- that there is, in effect, anamnesty for nations that once sponsored terrorism if they will now stop and cooperatewith us?

THE PRESIDENT:Of course.But our ability to affect host nations harboringterrorists will depend upon our determination, our will, our patience.We are sending asignal to the world as we speak that if you harbor a terrorist, there will be a price topay.

And there are nations in the world that have expressed a desire to help.Helenmentioned Syria.The Syrians have talked to us about how they can help in the waragainst terrorism.We take that -- we take that seriously and we'll give them anopportunity to do so.

I'm a performance-oriented person, I believe in results.And if you want to jointhe coalition against terror, we'll welcome you in.I have recognized some countrieswill do things that others won't do.All I ask is for results.If you say you want to joinus to cut off money, show us the money.If you say you want to join us militarily, likeGreat Britain does, do so -- and they have done so in a fashion that should make thepeople of Great Britain proud.If you're interested in sharing intelligence, shareintelligence -- all ways.

I appreciate diplomatic talk, but I'm more interested in action and results.I amabsolutely determined -- absolutely determined -- to rout terrorism out where it existsand bring them to justice.We learned a good lesson on September the 11th,thatthere is evil in this world.I know there's a lot of children in America wondering whattook place.I think it's essential that all moms and dads and citizens tell their childrenwe 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 thisgreat nation, a freedom-loving nation, a compassionate nation, a nation thatunderstands values of life, and rout terrorism out where it exists.And we're going togive plenty of nations a chance to do so.

Terry.

QBack to the FBI warning of today, which was based, it said, on certaininformation that there would be retaliatory attacks over the next several days.Giventhe complete generality of that warning, what does it really accomplish, aside fromscaring people into not doing what you've urged them to do -- getting back to theirnormal lives -- what should they do with it, and did you personally approve theissuance of that warning?

THE PRESIDENT:I'm aware of the intelligence that caused the warning to beissued, and it was a general threat on America.And as I mentioned earlier, had itbeen a specific threat, we would have contacted those to whom the threat wasdirected.

But, Terry, I think it is important for the American people to know theirgovernment is on full alert.And that's what that warning showed. We take everythreat seriously.And the American people shouldn't be surprised that we're issuingalerts.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 thesethreats 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 isdoing 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 September 11th, that we'refacing a different world.And they accept that responsibility. They accept thatresponsibility.There is, I think, some positive news about the American peoplereacting to what we're doing.The load factors on airplanes are increasing.Now, Irecognize certain routes have been reduced, but nevertheless, people are getting backon airplanes.That's important that that be the case.Hotels are getting morecustomers. That's important for the working people of the country.

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

John.

QMr. President, you've said on repeated occasions that you're not intonation-building.Yet, it appears in this case, given the politics of the region, it mayplay a crucial role in resolving this crisis. Prime Minister Blair of Britain has said thatthe coalition, if the Taliban falls, will work to create a broadly-based government.I'mwondering, sir, has that become a priority of your administration now, to devise a planfor a new government in Afghanistan?And what part might King Zaher Shah play inthat?

THE PRESIDENT:Well, I think it's -- John, it's a -- first let me reiterate, my focusis bringing al Qaeda to justice and saying to the host government, you had yourchance 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 secondchance.Bring him in.And bring his leaders and lieutenants and other thugs andcriminals with him.

I think we did learn a lesson, however, >from -- and should learn a lesson -- from theprevious engagement in the Afghan area, that we should not just simply leave after amilitary objective has been achieved.That's why -- and I sent that signal byannouncing that we're going to spend $320 million of aid to the Afghanpeople.That's up from roughly $170 million this year.

I personally think that a -- and I appreciate Tony Blair's -- and I've discussed thiswith him -- his vision about Afghan after we're successful -- Afghanistan after we'resuccessful.One of the things we've got to make sure of is that all parties, allinterested parties have an opportunity to be a part of a new government; that weshouldn't play favorites between one group or another within Afghanistan.

Secondly, we've got to work for a stable Afghanistan so that her neighbors don'tfear terrorist activity again coming out of that country. Third, it would be helpful, ofcourse, to eradicate narco-trafficking out of Afghanistan, as well.

I believe that the United Nations would -- could provide the framework necessaryto help meet those conditions.It would be a useful function for the United Nations totake over the so-called "nation-building," -- I would call it the stabilization of a futuregovernment -- after our military mission is complete.We'll participate; other countrieswill participate. I've talked to many countries will participate.I've talked to manycountries that are interested in making sure that the post-operations Afghanistan isone that is stable, and one that doesn't become yet again a haven for terroristcriminals.

Ken.

QMr. President, I'm sure many Americans are wondering where all this willlead.And you've called upon the country to go back to business and to go back tonormal.But you haven't called for any sacrifices from the American people.And Iwonder, do you feel that any will be needed? Are you planning to call for any?And doyou think that American life will really go back to the way it was on September 10th?

THE PRESIDENT:Well, you know, I think the American people are sacrificingnow.I think they're waiting in airport lines longer than they've ever had before.I thinkthat -- I think there's a certain sacrifice when you lose a piece of your soul.AndAmericans -- I was standing up there at the Pentagon today, and I saw the tears of thefamilies whose lives were lost in the Pentagon.And I said in my talk there thatAmerica prays with you.I think there's a sacrifice, there's a certain sense of givingthemselves to share their grief with people they'll never, maybe, ever see in their lives.

So America is sacrificing.America -- I think the interesting thing that hashappened, and this is so sad an incident, but there are some positive things developed-- that are developing.One is, I believe that many people are reassessing what'simportant in life.Moms and dads are not only reassessing their marriage and theimportance of their marriage, but of the necessity of loving their children like neverbefore.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 -- acompassion in our country that is overflowing. I know their intended act was to destroyus and make us cowards and make us not want to respond. But quite the oppositehas happened -- our nation is united, we are strong, we're compassionate; neighborscare about neighbors.

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

You know, I'm asked all the time -- I'll ask myself a question. (Laughter.)How do Irespond to -- it's an old trick -- (laughter) -- how do I respond when I see that in someIslamic countries there is vitriolic hatred for America?I'll tell you how I respond:I'mamazed.I'm amazed that there is such misunderstanding of what our country isabout, that people would hate us.I am, I am -- like most Americans, I just can'tbelieve it.Because I know how good we are, and we've go to do a better job of makingour 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 anyreligion accountable.We're fighting evil. And these murderers have hijacked a greatreligion in order to justify their evil deeds. And we cannot let it stand.

John.

QMr. President, you have spoken with great pride of this international coalition.Iwant to ask you, before the events of September 11th, one of the big questions youfaced this fall was, would you violate the Antiballistic Missile Treaty and go aheadwith the missile defense plan if Russia did not strike a deal?Will you do that nowbecause Russia's cooperation is so important? And, separately, but related, are youdisappointed that while there have been some statements of support from theMuslim world and the Arab world, that there have not been more vocal andrepeated statements agreeing with you that this is a war against terrorism, not Islam?

THE PRESIDENT:John, let me start with the latter part.I was heartened by theOrganization of Islamic Conference's statement of support for our war againstterror.I think that 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 othercoalition members will.And my attitude is, and the attitude of my administration is,we'll accept any help that a government is comfortable in giving.And we should not tryto force governments to do something that they can't do.Any help is better than nohelp.

And so, I am so appreciative of the help we're getting in the MiddleEast.Somebody asked me the other day, was I pleased with the actions of SaudiArabia.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, inShanghai, to reiterate once again that the Cold War is over, it's done with, and thatthere are new threats that we face; and no better example of that new threat than theattack on America on September 11th.

And I'm going to ask my friend to envision a world in which a terrorist thug and/or ahost nation might have the ability to develop -- to deliver a weapon of mass destructionvia a -- via rocket.And wouldn't it be in our nation's advantage to be able to shoot itdown?At the very least, it should be in our nation's advantage to determine whetherwe can shoot it down.And we're restricted >from doing that because of an ABM Treatythat was signed during a totally different era.

The case cannot be even -- the case is more strong today than it was onSeptember 10th that the ABM is outmoded, outdated, reflects a different time.And I'mmore than -- I am more than anxious to continue making my case to them.And wewill do what's right in regards --

Q-- not agree, would you withdraw this year?

THE PRESIDENT:Excuse me, I have trouble hearing John.

QIf he does not agree with you, would you withdraw from the ABM Treaty thisyear?

THE PRESIDENT: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.

QYou talk about the general threat toward Americans.You know, the Internet iscrowded with all sorts of rumor and gossip and, kind of, urban myths.And people ask,what is it they're supposed to be on the lookout for?Other than the 22 most wantedterrorists, what are Americans supposed to look for and report to the police or tothe FBI?

THE PRESIDENT:Well, Ann, you know, if you find a person that you've neverseen before getting in a crop duster that doesn't belong to you -- (laughter) -- reportit.(Laughter.)If you see suspicious people lurking around petrochemical plants,report it to law enforcement.

I mean, people need to be logical.Now, listen, I want to urge my fellow Americansnot to use this as an opportunity to pick on somebody that doesn't look like you, ordoesn't share your religion.The thing that makes our nation so strong and that willultimately 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 somethingsuspicious, abnormal, something that looks threatening, report it to local lawenforcement.

Let me conclude by one final statement. Thank you all for coming. Before weleave, I want to make a special request to the children of America.I ask you to join ina special effort to help the children of Afghanistan.Their country has been through agreat deal of war and suffering.Many children there are starving and are severelymalnourished. One in three Afghan children is an orphan.Almost half suffer chronicmalnutrition.And we can, and must, help them.

We've created a special relief effort that will be supervised by the Red Cross.Weare asking every child in America to earn or give a dollar that will be used to providefood and medical help for the children of Afghanistan.You can send your dollar in anenvelope, marked "America's Fund for Afghan Children," right here to the WhiteHouse, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C.

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

Ultimately, one of the best weapons, one of the truest weapons that we haveagainst terrorism is to show the world the true strength of character and kindness ofthe American people.Americans are united in this fight against terrorism.We're alsounited in our concern for the innocent people of Afghanistan. Winter is coming, and byacting today we can help the children survive.

Thank you for your questions.May God bless America.

END8:44 P.M. EDT