Becca Morrison

Guest Writer

Osama bin Laden has not turned up and a war has not started. What is the United States planning?

Two themes concerning retaliation stand out: America will deal with the terrorists responsible for the New York and Washington tragedies, and America will start an aggressive campaign against terrorism worldwide.

Bush is at the forefront of the pursuit for justice and is using very strong, decisive language to get his -- and America's -- point across.

``You are either with us or with the Terrorists.'' Bush said. ``And we will win.''

His speech last Thursday strengthened American morale as well as heightened America's support for Bush.

Opinion polls show that more than 60 percent support Bush's position even with an extended campaign and heavy U.S. casualties.

Bush is not talking peace, and American expectations have been raised for war.

The continual U.S. military presence in the Mid-East is known. But America has recently deployed many more troops and weapons to that area.

The U.S. Fifth Fleet, consisting of 14 ships and more 8,000 marines and sailors, is in the Persian Gulf.

Also close by is the U.S. Seventh Fleet, including 42 ships carrying 25,000 marines and sailors. Attack submarines and other amphibious assault vessels are reportedly on hand as well.Land and air forces are awaiting orders nearby.

Prior to impending attacks, Bush has signed an executive order to freeze the assets of 27 people and organizations the government suspects of filtering money to terrorists. New leads may add more people and organizations at any time.

``To follow the money is a trail to terrorists,'' President Bush said. ``The 27 names constitute the financial equivalent of law enforcement's most-wanted list''.

America does not have direct control over the world's banking systems and realizes that a majority of the terrorist money passes through banks outside the US.

But Bush has ``put the financial world on notice'' and if establishments and/or countries refuse to cooperate, freeze assets, and share information, they ``will not do business with the United States.''

A US stimulated coalition is building with the sole priority of ridding the world of terrorism.

The UK and other allies signed on right away with unquestioned support.

But even countries such as Russia, China, Iran, Libya, Egypt and Syria are looking favorably upon the endeavor.

Of course, they have conditions of support.

Those countries would like to have clear evidence of bin Laden's involvement in the recent attacks, and they wonder what exactly the long-term goals of the United States include.

If many Muslims lose their lives in the near future, they might easily break away from the coalition.