Bush and G-8 press on despite attack
GLENEAGLES, Scotland–The apparent terrorist attacks in London this morning have thrown the Group of Eight economic summit into turmoil but not chaos. British Prime Minister Tony Blair suspended his participation as host of the conference while he flew to London temporarily to coordinate the disaster response. Blair's aides say he will return this evening to Gleneagles, Scotland, where the summit is being held. One of the chief goals of Blair, President Bush, and the other leaders is to show the terrorists that they can't totally disrupt western societies or their leaders' agendas. While events at Gleneagles might be curtailed, the leaders want to create the impression that they won't be cowed so they will press ahead in their discussions of climate change, aid to Africa, and other issues.
Bush believes the London attacks are proof of what he's been saying since 9/11: The terrorists blindly hate the west, will do anything to strike out at the United States and its allies, and are guilty of barbaric and vicious conduct. White House insiders tell U.S. News that Bush admires the British prime minister's resolve and unflappability in the face of the crisis. Bush particularly appreciates the way Blair echoed Bush's remarks ever since 9/11 when the British leader this morning condemned barbaric attacks on civilized nations and said that the terrorists are trying to impose their extreme views on the world. This is precisely how Bush feels.
Bush told reporters this morning that all the G-8 leaders agree that the war on terrorism must be pursued as vigorously as possible, and he pledged to continue fighting the ideology of "hate." He is described by members of his traveling entourage as especially distressed at how the terrorists targeted innocent civilians in London, striking at the subway and bus systems during rush hour to inflict maximum casualties.
Bush learned of the attacks about 20 minutes after the first explosion was reported on TV, when White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and National Security Adviser Steve Hadley, who are traveling with him, briefed the president on the situation. Card became the point man, coordinating with Vice President Cheney and other senior U.S. officials by secure phone. Bush then called a secure videoconference with his inner circle in a secure room set up at the Scottish resort where the G-8 summit is being held. The videoconference lasted 10 minutes. Bush ordered his aides to give the British as much help as possible and to remain vigilant to make sure that other terrorist attacks aren't being planned in the United States.
advertisement
