Four former world leaders who have all fought the battle against terrorism in their own countries came together Saturday at the Bakersfield Business Conference to discuss their views on how to deal with terrorism.
Former U.S. President Gerald Ford, former British Prime Minister John Major, former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and former Prime Minister of Iraq Ehud Barak all agreed that the best way to defeat terrorism is to form a coalition of nations around the world.
“I have a lot of experience with terrorism,” Major said. “I think we can only deal with it emphatically and intelligently. The nature of terrorism is a different form from America’s. The first thing America needs is the international coalition that has been built up. My country was there at the first moment and for however long it takes we will be there at the last. This battle will be fought by everyone.”
Ford agreed with Major. He insisted that the coalition will be successful in its fight.
“The issue has been clearly defined,” he said. “This is an operation by the coalition against terrorism. Not against the Muslim faith or any Islamic nation. This is against the terrorists and Osama bin Laden.”
Ford said that the coalition must be united to win.
“Yes, we can win this war against that evil force,” Ford said. “We also need to be very critical of any country who harbors bin Laden. They are as guilty as the terrorists themselves.”
Barak also said the coalition is essential.
“We need to create a simple choice,” he said. “I have spent many years fighting terrorism, there will be ups and downs, there will be painful moments. Many civilians will lose their lives, but in the end it will just solidify our conviction.”
All of the leaders agreed that the attack has global consequences. Most of them also agreed that no messages from bin Laden should be televised. Barak said that the world has nothing to learn from bin Laden. Major said that people should know that they are hearing the “ravings of a maniac.”
“It would be reasonable to ask the media to paraphrase his message, but if there is no such threat then I say play these tapes,” he said. “The key issue is does it put people at risk?”
Zedillo said that there should be more communication between the government and the media.
All the speakers believed that bin Laden will be brought to justice. Barak said that capturing him “could be done, should be done and will be done.”
None of the men thought closing America’s borders would help stop terrorism. Zedillo said if the borders were closed the terrorists would gain a victory because they are “looking for a reaction that would affect freedom.”