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US President George W. Bush Friday issued the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism, outlining the effort the United States is making to win the war against global terror.
The strategy is a complement to the National Security Strategy, as well as the US 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," Bush said as he released the strategy.
The 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," he said.
"We will not triumph solely or even primarily through military might. We must fight terrorist networks, and all those who support their efforts to spread fear around the world, using every instrument of national power - diplomatic, economic, law enforcement, financial, information, intelligence, and military," Bush said.
"No group or nation should mistake America's intentions: we will not rest until terrorist groups of global reach have been found, have been stopped, and have been defeated," Bush added.
Bush promised that the United States will work closely with every nation committed to the fight against terrorism, and will continue to help its allies and friends improve their ability to fight terror.
However, he admitted that the war against global terror will be "hard and long" as terror cells exist on nearly every continent and in dozens of countries, including the United States.
Bush released the strategy as the United States continued its military buildup in the Gulf region for a possible war with Iraq.
In a speech at the headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to lay out efforts to thwart terrorist attacks, Bush vowed Friday that Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein will be stripped of weapons of mass destruction "one way or the other."
"Saddam Hussein is a danger, and that's why he will be disarmed one way or the other," he said.
(Xinhua News Agency February 15, 2003)
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