The Bush administration on Friday, in newly compiled guidelines on counter-terror strategy, said it would lead the fight against global terror by seeking help from other nations but would act alone if needed. The strategy document also says the United States will, if necessary, “compel” other countries to root out terror operations within their borders if they fail to cooperate willingly. “The United States will constantly strive to enlist the support of the international community in this fight against a common foe,” the document said. “If necessary, however, we will not hesitate to act alone, to exercise our right to self-defense, including acting pre-emptively against terrorists to prevent them from doing harm to our people and our country.” It said that in countries where terror groups are known to operate, United States would seek partnerships to root out the groups, help to build up institutions in “weak but willing” states or rally diplomatic pressure to convince reluctant states to cooperate. “Where states are unwilling, we will act decisively to counter the threat they pose, and, ultimately to compel them to cease supporting terrorism,” it said. The United States is currently engaged in a diplomatic battle with France and other countries over President Bush’s campaign to dismantle Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction programs, which he has linked to his war on terrorism launched after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. Full Story
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