Bush condemns attacks in Kenya, Israel
'Dismantle the infrastructure of terror'
From John King
CNN Washington Bureau
CRAWFORD, Texas (CNN) - President Bush on Thursday condemned in the "strongest possible terms" and as "heinous acts" the terror attacks on Israelis in Kenya and Israel.
U.S. officials took a wait-and-see attitude on the question of al Qaeda involvement, and promised assistance in the investigation of the Kenya attacks.
Officials from the U.S. Embassy in Kenya planned to meet Friday with Israeli and Kenyan investigators to discuss possible U.S. assistance. Sources said Pentagon and intelligence resources would be offered in addition to law enforcement help if Israeli and Kenyan officials believed it could help, especially in investigating the use of surface-to-air missiles in an attempt to shoot down an Israeli airliner.
Bush was briefed by a traveling National Security Council aide at his Texas ranch and also spoke several times throughout the day with his national security adviser, Condoleeza Rice, according to White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
Johndroe said the United States "was not ruling anything in or ruling anything out," as to whether al Qaeda was involved in the strikes. A senior administration source said initial reactions from counterterrorism officials were mixed.
"Some say they see al Qaeda fingerprints and others are convinced it is the work of other groups more focused on Israel," this administration official said.
Bush issued a written statement that read:
"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the terrorist attacks today at the Likud Party polling place in northern Israel and the Paradise Hotel in Mombasa Kenya, as well as the attempted attack on a civilian airliner shortly after it took off from Mombasa's international airport. I want to extend my condolences to the victims and their families, and to the governments and peoples of Israel and Kenya. Today's attacks underscore the continuing willingness of those opposed to peace to commit horrible crimes. Those who seek peace must do everything in their power to dismantle the infrastructure of terror that makes such actions possible. The United States remains firmly committed, with its partners around the world, to the fight against terror and those who commit these heinous acts."
