As September 11th became September 12th, two towers of light pierced the New York City's skyline. Similar to five years ago, the day al-Qaeda members hijacked planes to attack American landmarks, President George W. Bush addressed the nation.
"America did not ask for this war. And every American wishes it were over, so do I. But the war is not over, and it will not be over until either we or the extremists emerge victorious."
President Bush mentioned the violence in Afghanistan where fighting is the bloodiest since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. The country is also considered a hiding place for the elusive leader of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden.
"Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists are still in hiding. Our message to them is clear: No matter how long it takes, America will find you, and we will bring you to justice."
The president also justified the capture of Saddam Hussein, days after a Senate report found no link between the former Iraqi leader and al-Qaeda before the Iraq War.
"I'm often asked why we are in Iraq when Saddam Hussein was not responsible for the 9/11 attacks. The answer is that the regime of Saddam Hussein was a clear threat. My administration, the Congress and United Nations saw the threat. And after 9/11, Saddam's regime posed a risk that the world could not afford to take."
Mr. Bush made a rally to and for US and coalition forces.
"Dangerous enemies had declared their intention to destroy our way of life. They are not the first to try, and their fate would be the same as those who tried before."
The president reminded that the struggle is in its early hours. Katy Jaw, Reuters.
pierce:v If a sharp object pierces something, or if you pierce something with a sharp object, the object goes into it and makes a hole
