Now that President Bush has declared war in response to Tuesday's horrific act of terrorism, the often impressive reporting of the past few days by mainstream media could, as in previous wars, give way to a resonant drumbeat for revenge. Just when cautious response, political criticism, wise analysis, public education and more just international policies are most needed, diverse voices and opinions may be drowned out or declared un-American. Fortunately, unlike previous U.S.

Following Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, U.S. television has repeatedly broadcast footage that shows Palestinians celebrating. The Electronic Intifida, which supports the Palestinian uprising in Israel, says this coverage is misleading. "The overwhelming number of Palestinians, like people of all nationalities, were sickened by the events in New York and Washington," it states. "Palestinians with relatives in New York and Washington spent much of yesterday worriedly trying to phone to check they were safe, exactly as many Americans did.

"If, as appears increasingly likely, groups associated with terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden are found to be responsible for Tuesday's murderous attacks in New York and Washington, the United States would be fully justified in taking vigorous action to apprehend and punish him and to put his terror networks out of business," observes Michael Klare.