The best way to fight this war

For almost three weeks the world has held its breath, waiting for the United States' response to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Few would not respect the American people's desire to punish those responsible for such suffering.

But most also feared the consequences that might follow massive military retaliation against Afghanistan and other countries suspected of harboring the prime suspect, Osama bin Laden, or his vile al-Qaeda network. It would be mistaken indeed to assume that so far no action has been taken.

Yet it now seems apparent that massive military might is not going to be the means of fighting the campaign against terror. Instead, those who have declared a war against civilization may be fought by the most civilized methods available: by international cooperation, by economic isolation, by secret intelligence, by the international rule of law. So far, the administration of George W Bush has acted with restraint and wisdom.

Late last week President Bush stated clearly that he did not intend to occupy Afghanistan or use military power against civilian targets there. Given that the people of Afghanistan are already existing in Stone Age misery, this assurance is welcome.

-- The Age, Melbourne