Bush: 'We Will Prevail' Against Terror

W A S H I N G T O N, Oct. 12 -- President Bush vowed to bring Osama bin Laden and other "evil-doers" to justice as he declared of his war on terrorism: "I am determined to stay the course."

"One month after great suffering and sorrow, America is strong and determined and generous," Bush said in a news conference from the East Room of the White House Thursday night, his first since taking office. The session marked a month since the Sept. 11 hijacking attacks that killed thousands and rattled America's foundation. Read a transcript of the news conference.

Bush decided Thursday morning to hold this first prime-time press conference by a president since April of 1995. Just hours before he took to the podium, the FBI issued an extraordinary warning that new terrorist attacks against the United States could occur any day.

"Today, the Justice Department did issue a blanket alert," Bush said. "It was in recognition of a general threat we received." If more specific intelligence suggests imminent attacks on any particular target, Bush moved to assure the national television audience, the government will do "everything possible" to guard against the threat.

But the president asked Americans to refrain from using their fear of new attacks "as an opportunity to pick on someone," urging people to show tolerance toward Muslims and Arab-Americans amid the war against terrorism.

Bush made it clear that the targets of U.S. anger are bin Laden, his al Qaeda network and Afghanistan's ruling Taliban regime.

"People often ask me, 'How long will this last?' This particular battle front will last as long as it takes to bring al Qaeda to justice. It may happen tomorrow. It may happen a month from now. It may take a year or two but we will prevail," Bush said.

Bush said he did not know if bin Laden was dead or alive. "I want him brought to justice, however," he said.

Claiming Success in U.S. Assault

After five days of U.S. bombing in Afghanistan, where the ruling Taliban militia has been harboring Osama bin Laden and others believed behind the terror strikes that downed four jets, killed thousands and destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center and a portion of the Pentagon, the president assured that major military accomplishments have been achieved.