US President George W. Bush told the United Nations this afternoon the world must tackle the problems that lead the oppressed to pursue terrorism because "there can be no safety in looking away."
Mr Bush, who has pursued military force in fighting terrorism since the September 11th, 2001, attacks, acknowledged that the war on terrorism "will not be won by force of arms alone."
"The lesson is clear. There can be no safety in looking away or seeking the quiet life by ignoring the hardship and oppression of others. Either hope will spread or violence will spread, and we must take the side of hope," Mr Bush said.
Mr Bush made his annual address to the UN General Assembly with his job approval rating at the lowest of his presidency over the slow federal response to Hurricane Katrina and the Iraq war, where dozens were killed on Wednesday in suicide bomb attacks.
"In this young century the four corners of the world are linked more closely than ever before and no nation can remain isolated and indifferent to the struggles of others," Mr Bush said.
"When a country or region is filled with despair and resentment and vulnerable to violent and aggressive ideologies, the threat passes easily across oceans and borders and can threaten the security of any peaceful country."
Mr Bush who was unable to gain UN backing for using military force against Iraq, thanked nations for offers of assistance in the wake of the hurricane.
"Your response, like the response to last year's tsunami, has shown once again that the world is more compassionate and hopeful when we act together," he said.