U.S. Attacks Draw World Condolences

N E W   Y O R K, Sept. 11 -- As Americans reeled from the apparent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, nearly the entire world reacted with a mix of sympathy and outrage, and considered their own protective measures.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair called the attacks "terrible, shocking" and Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russian news agencies that America had been struck by "terrible tragedies."

"We can only imagine the terror and carnage there and the many, many innocent people who have lost their lives," Blair said.

"This mass terrorism is the new evil in our world today. It is perpetrated by fanatics who are utterly indifferent to the sanctity of life," he added. The British Embassy in Washington sent nonessential personnel home.

Putin was said to be monitoring events on television and calling his senior staff to the Kremlin to discuss the attacks.

Both countries suspended all flights to the United States.

Security was tightened at London's three main airports: Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow, the world's busiest international airport, but they remained open.

In the Mideast

As suspicions in the attacks fell on Islamic terror groups, some Middle East leaders expressed shock, disbelief and even sympathy — but others rejoiced.

Iraqi state television called the attacks the "operation of the century," deserved by the United States because of its "crimes against humanity."

In a commentary, it said: "The American cowboy is reaping the fruits of his crimes against humanity. It is a black day in the history of America, which is tasting the bitter defeat of its crimes and disregard for people's will to lead a free, decent life."

Meanwhile, in Palestinian refugee camps across the Middle East, militants fired guns and cheered in celebration.

The Palestinians comprise one of the world's longest-standing refugee populations, having survived four decades of exile. They are embittered over what they perceive as American support for Israel, especially following a nearly year-old uprising in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.