Attack Does Not Depend on Ramadan and Harsh Winter

The United States suggested that the anti-terrorism attacks might continue for a long period despite the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the harsh winter season ahead.

British Secretary of Defense Geoff Hoon announced on 23rd that all nine training camps known to be used by Osama bin Laden network had been destroyed in the Allied air strikes on Afghanistan.

US Defense Spokesman John Stufflebeem said on 23rd, ``We want to bring to an end the air-strikes before the winter comes, but we don`t think that`s realistic. Pentagon was aiming at such as petroleum facilities of Taliban militia, but choking them off is going to be a very long and slow process because the trucks and cars are still moving.``

Prior to this announcement, US Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld revealed ``the US`s strong volition to continue this war until the terrorist organization led by bin Laden are crushed finally, saying.`` History is replete with instances ``where Muslim nations have fought among themselves or with other countries during various important holy days for their religion.``

However, Islamic religious and political leaders strongly oppose such a long-term war plan of the United States. ``Egyptian high Islamic cleric Sheikh Faujhi Al Jeoffschaff openly warned that the air campaign during Ramadan would be an assault against whole Islamic world.``

Pakistan President, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, also cautioned that any strikes during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan would increase unrest across the Islam world.

The U.S. decided to reopen the production line of Tomahawk cruise missiles in order to produce 800 missiles, reported Yomiuri Shimbun yesterday.

The Yomiuri Shimbun analyzed that despite military facilities in Afghanistan were destroyed over 85 percent, the U.S. seemed to decide the increase of weapon production in order to extend the range of anti-terrorism campaign to outside Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Abdul Salam Zaeef, Taliban envoy in Pakistan, asserted on 23rd that the traces of the chemical material were found in the bodies of Afghans wounded from the U.S.`s airstrikes.

And because Taliban officials had also raised a suspicion on the U.S.`s use of chemical weapons, it might be another source of conflict.

Kwon Ki-Tae kkt@donga.com