West's unprecedented alliance against terror
Action against Afghanistan is backed by an international alliance the like of which has never been seen.
Countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Arab world rallied behind President George Bush’s call for a war on terrorism in the wake of the World Trade Centre and Pentagon atrocities.
The diplomatic offensive ensured that if Afghanistan refused to hand over prime suspect Osama bin Laden, they would face America’s wrath effectively alone.
Traditional allies such as Britain immediately pledged support in US President Bush’s fight to smash the terror machine which slaughtered thousands of innocent people.
Nato involvement was guaranteed when ambassadors from the 19 member nations invoked Article Five of the organisation’s Charter, declaring the attack on America to be an attack on the Alliance as a whole.
However, the sustained diplomatic effort secured support for military action stretching far beyond the long-standing transatlantic alliance.
Russia, which waged its own ill-fated war in Afghanistan, ruled out committing troops but is thought to have helped US intelligence services in their searched for bin Laden.
China, the major power most likely to speak out against the American plans, instead said it would support the fight against terrorism and voiced only limited reservations, warning military action could prove counter-productive.
Sustained pressure from the US brought about a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians helping to isolate Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban from potential Arab allies.
Keen not to be seen as frustrating the US efforts, both offered support for President Bush’s war.
American allies Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Kuwait had already pledged to do their part in the fight on terrorism along with Bahrain and Egypt.
While Oman did not explicitly say it would take part, British troops are already there on an exercise.
Uzbekistan, which borders Afghanistan, offered to act as a base for American troops.
Neighbouring Tajikistan ruled out allowing ground attacks but said air corridors were a possibility.
India’s enthusiastic offer to commit troops was politely declined for fear of disturbing the sensitive relationship with Pakistan, as it negotiated with the Taliban.
Despite the grave internal problems thrown up by co-operating with the US, Pakistan’s military government were under no illusions that if they failed to assist they would be treated as the terrorists’ allies.
As the world lined up behind America the Taliban quickly ran out of potential friends to turn to for support.
Iranian President Mohammed Khatami gave his backing to the international coalition and suggested he wanted to rebuild relations with the West in the wake of the attacks.
Even so-called rogue states accused of sponsoring terrorism such as Libya and Syria have not spoken out against US strikes.
Syria condemned the ‘‘barbarism’’ of the jetliner attacks while Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi said President Bush was right to hit back.
And the United Arab Emirates, one of just three countries to recognise the Taliban, said it was reviewing its relations with Afghanistan’s rulers.
Yemen, which along with Pakistan makes up that trio and has close links with Osama bin Laden, said it would only support action authorised by the United Nations.
Iraq alone appears happy to completely defy President Bush’s challenge to stand with or against him.
While insisting he was not involved in the attacks, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein openly gloated over the World Trade Centre and Pentagon attacks.
But sanctions have crippled his country since it was defeated by George Bush senior in the Gulf War and there is now little Iraq can do to help the Taliban as America exacts its revenge.
