Moscow Times - 09.11.2002

The Moscow Times

One Year After

By Alexander Vershbow 

It has been a year since the Sept. 11 attacks produced the same reaction of horror and disbelief here in Moscow that they produced in the United States and elsewhere. Russians from all walks of life responded immediately. It was just before 5 p.m. here when the first plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Within a matter of minutes, Russian citizens were placing flowers, candles, icons and personal notes on the walkway in front of our embassy. By 7 p.m. when I went out to look, there were already more than a hundred such personal expressions of grief. Over the next few days that number would increase tenfold as the entire front of our block-long embassy came to resemble a living shrine to the victims of Sept. 11. Thousands of Russian citizens lined up to sign a book of condolences. 

The Russian government responded just as quickly and decisively. President Vladimir Putin was the first foreign leader to telephone and offer President George W. Bush his support. Speaking on behalf of Russians and civilized people all over the world, he said, "The series of barbaric terrorist acts, directed against innocent people, has evoked our anger and indignation. ... There is no doubt that such inhuman actions cannot be left unpunished. The whole international community must rally in the fight against terrorism." 

Putin and his government have backed up these words with actions. Russia has become a powerful new ally in the war on terrorism by sharing intelligence on terrorist organizations, providing access to its airspace, and joining the international effort to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Putin's strategic choice to join the anti-terrorist coalition made clear that the United States and Russia could work on the basis of shared interests and values. This new relationship has the potential to become a true partnership for peace and global security in the 21st century. 

President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing." Fortunately, we are not alone in this effort to do the right thing. As we have witnessed in this past year, the world has united against the scourge of terrorism, and this has resulted in major gains for our common security. Over 90 different countries have apprehended and detained more than 2,400 suspected terrorists. More than 160 nations have frozen terrorist assets totaling over $100 million. And the people of Afghanistan, once oppressed in a fertile haven for terrorism under the Taliban regime, have taken part in free elections to choose new leaders and a brighter future. 

The United States must continue to work together with Russia and other nations to counter the threats of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. These threats, which respect no borders, are transnational and can only be countered by international cooperation. We must be guarded toward countries that sponsor or turn a blind eye to terrorist organizations. If a country possesses weapons of mass destruction, makes itself a haven for terrorists, or both, we must respond. The world did little to thwart the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan, and thousands paid the price. We cannot allow this to happen again. 

Today, we remember the loved ones, friends, and neighbors who perished as a result of the cowardly terrorist attacks perpetrated on Sept. 11, 2001. These acts of terrorism were aimed not only at Americans but at all freedom-loving peoples. Citizens from over 90 countries were killed. As we mourn those innocent victims of one year ago, we must also remember that terrorism still exists and that only a united, civilized world can bring about its defeat. We have accomplished much in the war on terrorism this past year, but a long, hard struggle still lies ahead. Vigilance, perseverance and sacrifice will be needed from each of us for many years to come. Let our commemoration of the tragic events of Sept. 11 serve to strengthen our resolve to fight and defeat the forces of terror that threaten the United States and all other civilized nations. 

Alexander Vershbow, U.S. Ambassador to Russia, contributed this comment to The Moscow Times.