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CNN Live Sunday

U.S.-Led Forces Have 'Free Reign' Over Afghanistan

Aired October 21, 2001 - 15:03   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.
DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Well, a top U.S. general says two weeks of bombing have given the U.S.-led forces free reign over Afghanistan.

CNN's White House correspondent Kelly Wallace is joining us with the latest -- hi, Kelly.

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Hello there, Donna.

Well, General Richard Myers, as you mentioned, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, out on the Sunday talks shows -- definitely saying that the mission so far, the airstrikes and, of course, the first ground action Friday overnight, have been very successful.

On the diplomatic front, as you and Miles mentioned, President Bush leaving Shanghai feeling quite good -- getting the support, support the president called "strong, steady and real," from the 20 other Asia Pacific Economic group -- countries in condemning the September 11 terrorist attacks -- the leaders, in a statement, also pledging to do more to fight on the financial front against terrorists and those suspected of supporting them.

But that statement did not include any mention of the U.S.-led military campaign, although Mr. Bush, before he left to get a big boost from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who said that this campaign must be completed until the end, so that the terrorists do not feel that they are invulnerable.

But some countries, such as Indonesia, very, very concerned about the military campaign and calling for it to end before the holy Muslim month of Ramadan begins November 17. That was an issue definitely on Secretary of State Colin Powell's mind on this day. He did say it would probably be best for the coalition if the military campaign in Afghanistan would be resolved before winter strikes, but he said any decision to keep the campaign going during Ramadan would be a military, not a diplomatic decision.

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COLIN POWELL, SECRETARY OF STATE: There are some constraints that are coming in front of us in the form of winter arriving in about a month, which might change the tempo of our operations. But we also are noticing that the Northern Alliance, which we are supporting, has become more aggressive in their actions up north and moving toward Kabul in the very near future.

And so, let's hope the campaign comes to an end soon. But the most important thing to remember is we will pursue it until our mission has been accomplished.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WALLACE: And General Myers appearing on a different Sunday morning talk show was asked if the military is feeling any pressure about Ramadan approaching just weeks from now. He said, "No." He said the U.S. is trying to do the right thing, trying to work in a measured way. But he also said the military campaign in Afghanistan could last until next spring, next summer, possibly even longer than that.

Donna, though, holding this coalition together will definitely be a very big challenge for Mr. Bush as he returns to Washington. It will be a greater challenge if the campaign continues during Ramadan, and it will get even more difficult during the months ahead as this campaign continues -- Donna, back to you.

MEYERS: Kelly Wallace at the White House, thank you.

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