Dick Cheney on the war on Afghanistan, the Taliban | 60 Minutes Archive
In a Nutshell
Vice President Dick Cheney states the Taliban has collapsed after a devastating U.S. air campaign and Northern Alliance advance, demonstrating the Bush Doctrine that governments harboring terrorists will face consequences. U.S. forces are hunting Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda as they lose sanctuary, with Cheney warning of possible revenge attacks and defending military tribunals for foreign terrorism suspects. Cheney also notes the administration is investigating possible Iraqi links to 9/11 while maintaining continuity of government by keeping Bush and Cheney separated during threats.
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60 Minutes conducted an interview with Vice President Dick Cheney in his office, discussing the war in Afghanistan and domestic security measures. The interview occurred during a period when the Taliban was losing control of Afghan cities and the United States was pursuing Osama bin Laden.
Vice President Cheney described the Taliban as being "in terrible shape" following an "enormously successful" military campaign. The Taliban had controlled approximately 90% of Afghanistan two months prior but had been driven out of most major cities. Cheney attributed their collapse to the devastating air campaign led by General Franks, which destroyed their military capability, followed by the Northern Alliance's advance. The Taliban was described as being in "headlong retreat" rather than regrouping.
Cheney emphasized that events in Afghanistan demonstrated the Bush Doctrine: governments that harbor or provide sanctuary to terrorist organizations will face consequences. The lesson has been "driven home very effectively," with any government considering harboring terrorists needing to reconsider their position after observing the Taliban's fate.
When asked about photographs of summary executions by the Northern Alliance, Cheney stated the United States had discouraged such actions through direct communication with commanders. He acknowledged isolated instances of prisoner executions but noted that painful consequences were expected in the aftermath of capturing cities. Cheney indicated the Northern Alliance had generally maintained control of their forces.
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