Bush says U.S. forces are gaining on terrorists

By Ron Fournier

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Bush, saying the war in Afghanistan is unraveling Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network, chided critics today for clamoring for more action. “This is not an instant gratification war,” he said.

In a Rose Garden question-and-answer session, Bush said the U.S. military campaign will not pause for the Muslim holiday of Ramadan, which starts in mid-November.

“The enemy won’t rest during Ramadan and neither will we,” Bush said after a meeting with Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, who stood at his side. “We’re going to pursue this war until we achieve our objective.”

He pledged revenge against bin Laden, the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11 attacks, and his al-Qaida organization.

“I am very satisfied and the American people ought to be satisfied with the progress we’re making on the ground,” Bush said.

Polls show Americans strongly support Bush but are increasingly anxious about the anti-terrorism campaign. The percentage of people who think the military will capture bin Laden has declined since the campaign began more than a month ago, as has the percentage of people who think the international alliance will hold.

“This is not an instant gratification war. This is a struggle for freedom and liberty. This is a struggle for the ability of Americans and their children to live in peace,” Bush said. “That’s why I can assure our allies and assure the American people that for so long as I’m the president this will be our focus.”

Bush said U.S. forces have destroyed air defenses of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime and are “slowly but surely” gaining ground on the terrorists.

“We’re on the hunt,” he declared.

Fielding questions on a variety of topics, Bush tried to assure Americans that the government is responding adequately to the spread of anthrax attacks.

“We are doing everything we can to get all the facts,” he said.

Bush also: