US counting on Jamaica

Sue M. Cobb

PRESIDENT GEORGE W. Bush, the American people, and I personally appreciate Jamaica's unequivocal support for the United States as we pursue those responsible for the terrorist attacks of September 11.

I have been profoundly struck by the resolute support expressed by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, JLP Leader Edward Seaga, Foreign Affairs Minister Paul Robertson, and other Jamaican leaders as we respond to this new and dangerous transnational threat. Jamaica has joined with the United States in the UN Security Council, in the UN General Assembly and in the OAS to condemn these inhumane acts and to call for justice. I have been assured, and I am deeply gratified by the assurance, that Jamaica stands solidly with America and the international community in the war against terrorist activities and their perpetrators.

As President Bush pledged, we have begun "a comprehensive assault on terrorism." This campaign is a new kind of conflict, against a new kind of enemy. It is not a war against a nation, a country, an ideology, a religion, or a people. It is a conflict with shadowy opponents who bring stark fear to freedom-loving people around the world, taking innocent lives without regard to faith, ethnicity, race, gender, or nationality.

This war on terrorism will use the tools available to nations ­ diplomacy, intelligence, financial measures, military action, law enforcement operations, and humanitarian assistance ­ to achieve its goals. This war will demand a sustained, comprehensive, multilateral coalition.

Eighty countries lost citizens in the September 11 attacks. Over 2,000 of the victims were not Americans. Twenty Jamaicans are among the missing or dead. The events of September 11 were an attack on the world, not just on the United States. In addition to the tragic and direct human costs of the attacks, continuing repercussions affect us all.

The economic repercussions of September 11 have been enormous. The economic dislocations of the past month have touched people in every corner of the world, including Jamaica.

Jamaica's leading sector, tourism, is feeling the pain most acutely, but farmers, traders, manufacturers, miners, and those engaged in small businesses, have also been adversely affected. The response to the heinous attacks has not been from the United States alone, but from a wide range of allies and of international and regional organisations, that have pledged their support. Our resolve is strengthened by the combined will of the many countries and organisations that have joined with us in the defence of freedom. Secretary of State Colin Powell has expressed gratitude for all of the positive responses we have received, including the unanimous support of the UN Security Council, the UN General Assembly, and the OAS. More than 40 of our allies and friends around the world have committed resources, use of their military or military installations, access to airspace, as well as humanitarian relief supplies. Many more nations have shared vital intelligence with us and the United Kingdom has joined with us in directly confronting the primary support system of the terrorists.

Civilian casualties

Australia, Canada, Germany and France are among those who have pledged troops to the military component of this multifaceted operation.

Former US rivals have put aside differences to help neutralise the cross border evil effects of terrorism. Together, the world community will isolate the evildoers. Together we will make those responsible accountable.

With the strikes on Afghanistan last weekend, the United States and its allies embarked on what will be a deliberate, focused, measured, and sustained military campaign to eradicate terrorism. We are not attacking the Afghan people; on the contrary, we are providing those suffering in Afghanistan with food, medicine, and other relief supplies, as the United States has and the world community has been doing for decades. Every effort is being made to avoid civilian casualties. Unlike the terrorists, America has not and will not target civilians.

It is also very clear that this is not a war on Islam. It is, again, a war on terrorism. Islam is not our enemy. Terrorism is our enemy. We count a billion Muslims worldwide as our friends. Millions of Muslims ­ both American and foreign ­ live and work, study and play in the United States, enjoying the blessings of freedom and safety that democratic nations provide. We count Muslim states from all parts of the globe as our friends and allies. Those who hijacked the planes on September 11, also seek to hijack the peace-loving Islam faith. We will not let them.

This conflict will not be short and will not be agreeable. Those who believe in the values of freedom, of equality, of justice, of human dignity will be asked to persevere with determination, tenacity, and courage as the campaign wears on.

There are difficult times ahead, for Americans, for Jamaicans, for the world. Sacrifices will be made. Nevertheless, I am certain that, because of the acts we take today, future generations will live in a more peaceful world.

During this long, challenging endeavour, the United States will be counting on Jamaica's strength, its powerfully persuasive voice in international fora, its universally acknowledged moral bearing, and its long-time friendship and co-operation.

Sue M. Cobb, is the US Ambassador to Jamaica

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