The Terrorist Attacks against the United States:
Excerpts from Interviews with Foreign Minister Shimon Peres
September 11, 2001
Israel Television
FM Peres: President Bush defined it as an American tragedy. I would
describe it as a tragedy for mankind. Every decent person in the
world finds this heartbreaking and deeply painful. Clearly, it
requires a more serious, concerted and comprehensive response against
terrorism in every country.
We must be uncompromising against terrorism. We know of many
countries that are centers of terrorism. We must not allow them to
play with the lives of innocent people. We are in a situation in
which we have traditional armies deployed against the type of enemy
that no longer exists, and our modern armies are unable to cope with
the new dangers emerging around the globe. We must formulate a
totally new strategy.
We know of states that give sanctuary to terrorists. These states
must be told that if they do not eliminate the terrorist
infrastructure, they will be declared as states that sponsor
terrorism, with all that this entails.
Q: In other words, you are saying that the free world under the
leadership of the United States must take action against states that
sponsor terrorism.
FM Peres: Exactly. In addition to the United States, we must enlist
the help of Europe, Russia, India, China and all responsible
countries, since this is a danger that threatens the entire globe.
IDF Radio
FM Peres: We have to grapple with the issue of terrorism, and tackle
this problem on a comprehensive basis. Now the world is facing
dangers that cannot be eliminated militarily. I am certain that we
can deal with this issue in the appropriate manner, on both a
strategic and a tactical level.
Terror knows no borders. It can strike at any place. Terrorism is
elusive and deceptive as we all know. It has no mercy. Terrorism aims
to strike indiscriminately at women and children.
This is the most loathsome terrorist attack that mankind has known.
This murderous outrage was planned and orchestrated by masterminds,
with financial assistance and a terrorist infrastructure. We know
which states and people sponsor terrorism. We must tell each state
that if it does not eliminate the terrorism root and branch, it will
be declared a terrorist state.
The new war against international terrorism must monitor every step
of the terrorists. It must follow the fund raising process, the place
the terrorists come from, the weapons, the locations, their hiding
places and all other kinds of information. There is a considerable
amount of work involved, and it can be examined. It is also possible
to intercept the terrorists. The problem with these people is that
they are crazed fanatics who are prepared to commit suicide. We
cannot stop the terrorists by shooting at them, since they are not
afraid to die. They are also ready to kill as many people as
possible. Therefore, we have to act against them the minute they are
identified.