Century’s ‘first war’

By Tom Raum

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – President Bush called the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington “the first war of the 21st century” on Thursday, and his administration labeled fugitive Osama bin Laden a prime suspect.

The United States promised to wage all-out retaliation against those responsible and any regime that protects them. Action could take weeks or months rather than days, a senior administration official indicated.

The nation’s capital remained tense two days after the attacks, which leveled the World Trade Center and severely damaged the Pentagon.

Close-in Washington Reagan National Airport remained closed indefinitely. And authorities closed all three New York area airports just hours after allowing them to reopen.

Vice President Dick Cheney was working in the security of Camp David as a precaution, administration officials said. The Secret Service widened the protective buffer around the White House, and Air Force jets patrolled the skies over major U.S. cities.

The White House canceled its tours for today, and the Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial also were closed after being briefly reopened.

In another sign of security concerns, the Capitol was evacuated in the middle of a Senate vote Thursday evening because of a bomb threat. Members were allowed to return when bomb-sniffing dogs did not find explosives.

Tears welling in his eyes, Bush spoke earlier of a need to win the battle against terrorism.

“I’m a loving guy. And I am also someone, however, who’s got a job to do and I intend to do it. And this is a terrible moment,” Bush said, talking to reporters in the Oval Office.

Senior administration officials said that Bush is planning a far-reaching anti-terrorist campaign that will likely last several years and target not only those who attacked Tuesday and their sponsors, but all terrorist activities.

Bush is determined not to bow to pressure for a quick strike that might undermine his efforts to build a major global campaign, an official said.

Meanwhile, Attorney General John Ashcroft said a total of 18 hijackers were on the four planes – five on two and four on the other two. All 18 were ticketed passengers, said FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Congress pushed toward approval of an anti-terrorism package with a price tag that could exceed $40 billion, some of it to start rebuilding the Pentagon. Congress will take up separate legislation next week to support Bush’s use of force against those responsible for the attacks.

Confirming what other administration officials had been saying privately, Secretary of State Colin Powell said “yes” when asked whether Saudi-born terrorist Osama bin Laden, operating in Afghanistan under the protection of the ruling Taliban, was a top suspect.

About 190 people perished in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, including 64 aboard the plane. The Army suffered the heaviest blow with 74 people lost, the Pentagon said. Human remains pulled from the building were being taken to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to be identified.