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American Morning

America's New War: Bush to Meet With King Abdullah

Aired September 28, 2001 - 10:04   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: Meanwhile, even with the last ditch diplomatic effort between Pakistan and Afghanistan, President Bush pushes on in his efforts to shore up Islamic support. In the next hour, Mr. Bush is due to meet with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House.

For more on that, we turn now to John King. Hello again.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello again, Paula. We say often when visiting dignitaries stop by the White House in this time of crisis, that this is an important meeting, but this one is important. The president obviously needs the support, the outspoken support, of moderate Arab leaders as he try to build this coalition.

The Jordanian king has said he is with the United States, but he has also made a key point, and it is one made over and over again by moderate Arab nations, like Saudi Arabia, like Egypt; that the United States, as it focuses on the bin Laden organization and the campaign against terrorism, should also take broader steps to address the reasons for some of that anti American sentiment in the Middle And in central Asia. By that, the king means the Arab-Israeli conflict.

We have seen in recent days, increased U.S. pressure on the Israeli government to step back from confrontation with the Palestinians, to try to have a cease fire take hold, and security consultations to begin. That will be the King of Jordan's message today, as he stops by the White House.

He met with Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday. His support also critical for another reason. Remember Mr. Bush has said from the beginning, this is war against terrorism not against Islam. It is important in the U.S. view that the leaders back in the region make that case as well. And when they return home after these discussions with President Bush, to tell their people directly that they believe President Bush when he says that; and they are convinced that the United States wants to play a constructive role in the region in the long term.

Paula?

ZAHN: Thanks, John.

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