STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR PATRICK LEAHY October 7, 2001 Today the United States launched a series of strikes against Taliban targets across Afghanistan. This action is not unexpected. The strikes appear to me to be part of broad-based policy to isolate terrorists and those who harbor them, which involves intense diplomacy, humanitarian aid, as well as military force. When Secretary of State Colin Powell called me early this morning in Vermont, I told him that he, the President, and the United States would be in my prayers. I wish the men and women of our armed forces and the entire country God Speed. It is time for the country to stay united in our efforts to get those responsible for the heinous attacks of September 11th. # # # # #