Blair warns Taliban of military strikes
British Prime Minister Tony Blair today warned the Taliban regime they would be the targets of military action unless they gave up Osama bin Laden.
‘‘The aim will be to eliminate their military hardware, cut off their finances, disrupt their supplies, target their troops not civilians. We will put a trap around the regime,’’ Mr Blair told Labour’s annual conference in Brighton.
The Prime Minister added: ‘‘Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater.
‘‘Look for a moment at the Taliban regime. It is undemocratic, that goes without saying.’’
The Prime Minister said the Taliban regime was one where no sport was allowed, nor television or photography.
‘‘No art or culture is permitted. All other faiths, all other interpretations of Islam are ruthlessly suppressed.
‘‘Those who practise their faith are imprisoned. Women are treated in a way almost too revolting to be credible.’’
Mr Blair said no contact was now permitted with Western agencies, even those delivering food and other aid.
He asked the 3,000 delegates: ‘‘So what do we do?’’
Mr Blair went on: ‘‘We haven’t lashed out. No missiles on the first night just for effect.
‘‘Don’t kill innocent people. We are not the ones who waged war on the innocent. We seek the guilty.’’
