November 9, 2001 Diary: America Strikes Back

Nuclear threats
Friday, November 9, 2001
J-W Editorials

Terrorist talk about atomic weapons could trigger even more support for American efforts to seek, strike and destroy criminals.
No doubt terrorists such as Osama bin Laden are gleeful about the fact their rhetoric and behavior have many gravely concerned about the prospect they might use nuclear weapons to further their cause. They certainly had hoped to create such a concern.

Avoid panic, Bush urges
Friday, November 9, 2001
President Bush assured an uneasy nation Thursday night that the United States will prevail against terrorists and said Americans should not "give in to exaggerated fears or passing rumors."
In a prime-time address, he told Americans to turn their fears into action: Volunteer in hospitals, schools, homeless shelters and at military facilities or train for emergency service work and join a new civil defense force he hopes to build.

Terrorism alters global priorities
Friday, November 9, 2001
By Jim Hoagland
Washington Post Writers Group

The United States made many demands on allies and friends in launching military operations in Afghanistan. None has been more difficult to field than the request made to Israel and to India: Restrain your own wars against terror so we can get on with ours.

Key Afghan city may fall soon
Friday, November 9, 2001
U.S. jets struck Taliban targets across northern Afghanistan on Thursday and fierce fighting was reported around the Taliban-held city of Mazar-e-Sharif, cornerstone of the Islamic militia's control of the north.
The commander of the U.S.-led coalition confirmed a "gunfight" was raging south of Mazar-e-Sharif, although he refused to give details. Taliban and opposition spokesmen described intense fighting, with front lines moving back and forth around a key ridge south of the city.

Pa. town reluctantly takes place in spotlight
Friday, November 9, 2001
By Joel Mathis

The FBI is gone and the national media have shifted their attention to the war in Afghanistan and anthrax at home. But the work of identifying — and mourning — the victims of Flight 93 continues in western Pennsylvania.
And residents here are still coming to terms with how their lives have changed.

Lawmakers reluctant to OK billions for postal bailout
Friday, November 9, 2001
Postmaster General John Potter told a Senate panel Thursday that he needs $3 billion to help the U.S. Postal Service pay for new technology to fight anthrax, as well as $2 billion to cover projected lost revenue since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. But lawmakers immediately signaled reluctance to approve a $5 billion bailout.
"Users of the mail should not be burdened with these extra costs through the price of postage," Potter said. "This could quickly threaten the foundation of a universal postal system serving all Americans."

Bush set to increase National Guard at airports
Friday, November 9, 2001
President Bush will announce an expanded role for National Guard troops at airports, including putting them at boarding gates, administration officials said Thursday.

Forward air controllers play major U.S. military role
Friday, November 9, 2001
(Web Posted Friday at 7:45 a.m.) Working undetected and armed with rifles and laser beams, forward air controllers on the ground in Afghanistan are playing a more active role in identifying targets and guiding bombs dropped by U.S. warplanes.

Opposition takes strategic northern Afghan city
Friday, November 9, 2001
(Updated Friday at 3:48 p.m.) Opposition forces entered Mazar-e-Sharif in heavy fighting Friday, claiming to have captured the key northern city from the ruling Taliban militia in what would give a major boost to the U.S.-campaign in Afghanistan. An American official said Taliban fighters were on the run.

KC workers told to stop taking anthrax antibiotics
Friday, November 9, 2001
The 250 workers and recent visitors to a Kansas City postal facility where anthrax was found can stop taking precautionary antibiotics, health officials said Thursday.

Expert discusses anthrax at KC convention
Friday, November 9, 2001
If microscopic anthrax spores land on a letter, it is "extremely unlikely" that they will become airborne for unsuspecting people to inhale, one of the government's top medical researchers said Thursday.

Japanese warships deployed to help U.S.
Friday, November 9, 2001
Hundreds of Japanese sailors on a small flotilla of warships embarked today for the Indian Ocean, making good on Japan's pledge to support U.S.-led forces in the war against terrorism.

Nation/World Briefs
Friday, November 9, 2001
• Red Cross to review fund for victims of terrorism
• F-16s force plane to land
• Saudis say claims untrue about bin Laden and weapons

First lady looks at U.S. life, her role after attacks
Friday, November 9, 2001
First lady Laura Bush reflected Thursday on the events of Sept. 11, calling it a day "when strangers became heroes" and the nation came together in caring and compassion.

Agencies' redesign shifts war on terror
Friday, November 9, 2001
The Bush administration on Thursday announced a sweeping redesign of federal law enforcement, the first step in transforming America's security and intelligence agencies for the 21st century fight against terrorism.

Bush says anti-terror coalition never stronger
Friday, November 9, 2001
(Web Posted Friday at 12:02 p.m.) Brushing aside criticism, President Bush said Friday the worldwide coalition against terrorism has never been stronger and added, "now is the time for action" on military, diplomatic and other fronts.