Democratic civilisation has been put to the test. Terrorists have used two commercial aircrafts to crash into the World Trade Centre causing both buildings to collapse. Reports at 2.30 a.m. cannot confirm the number of casualties. Forty-five minutes later, at Washington DC, the capital of the USA, another airline crashed into the Pentagon, the centre of the US defence establishment. The fourth airline has crashed into Pennsylvania.
Americans are in a state of shock. President Bush has issued a statement that he intends to hunt down the perpetrators of this horrific crime and for the Americans to remain resilient during this crisis.
Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in Lima, before rushing back to the US, categorically stated that spirit of democracy will be defended and that those involved in the crime will be brought to justice.
Former Secretary of State, Dr. Henry Kissinger, in Germany stated that it was 'an integrated operation that must be met with an integrated response'. He also stated that America needed to defend itself and its way of life and that America must pursue a sustained global effort so that the terrorists would be busy 'trying to survive than to create chaos.'
It is a tragedy but the magnitude of the ‘madness' will be felt all over. Ehud Barak, former Israeli Prime Minister has termed it as an attack against civilisation. He feels that the only way to counter this is by having the big powers going all out to destroy the terrorists.
Americans interviewed on CNN and BBC are in a state of shock and some who had survived understood the magnitude of the attack much later. Singaporeans who have family and friends in the affected areas can call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies in Washington DC and New York are keeping their lines open. OUB staff at the World Trade Centre have been safely evacuated.
Pearl Harbour forced the Americans into the Second World War. A sleeping giant was woken up. This tragedy will elicit a response. In what way, we do not know. Those who are against democracy or use it as a means for evil ends will face the wrath of the American defence capabilities.
Think Centre will update as much as possible as the events unfold. We will also interview security analysts and post their opinions. We extend our condolences to all Americans and deplore this cowardly act.
