'The Situation Continues To Be Dangerous'

George Stephanopolous: There are new reports out this morning thatthese warlords are blocking US military efforts to root out the Taliban and haveessentially hijacked the new Afghan government.

Colin Powell Well, I think we're the ones who are dominatingAfghanistan at the moment. I think that Operation Enduring Freedom has been atremendous success, and it continues, as General Franks and Secretary Rumsfeldhave repeatedly said, we will stay here and finish the job until al-Qaida, theTaliban and the kinds of things you describe are no longer a threat to theAfghan people.

But Chairman Karzai is right. We have broken the back of warlordism. Hisauthority is in charge. They have been here for three weeks. I think they areoff to a pretty good start, and the United States will continue to help themthrough Operation Enduring Freedom, and so will the international securityassistance force.

George Stephanopolous: Over the long term, is the United Stateswilling to help extend the role of that international security force andactually join the international security force?

Colin Powell We will always have a connection to the force and somepart of the force in the sense that we are the enablers. I think it is unlikely,though, it would be necessary for us to have troops on the ground as part ofthat force, and that will be the case once Operation Enduring Freedom is over.

George Stephanopolous: Unlikely, but you're not ruling it out?

Colin Powell Well, I don't know that I need to rule it out or in rightnow. I'm just stating the situation; that is, there are more than enough othercountries that are ready, willing and able to be part of that security force,and we are cooperating with them, providing them enabling capabilities. Andwe'll continue to concentrate on Operation Enduring Freedom and going after al-Qaidaand the Taliban.

George Stephanopolous: Sir, you're on your way to India in yourmission to help reduce tensions between India and Pakistan. Just how dangerousis the situation between India and Pakistan now?

Colin Powell Well, I think the situation has been very dangerous, andit continues to be dangerous. My most important desire and goal right now is tohave both sides recognize that the way to move forward is with political anddiplomatic actions and dialogue, and not let this slide into war.

George Stephanopolous: Finally, sir, several hundred United Statestroops are on their way to the Philippines to help train the Philippine militaryin their fight against terrorism. How is this different from the kind ofincremental Vietnam-like missions that you have been very wary of over thecourse of your career?

Colin Powell It's quite different. I mean, this is nothing likeVietnam. The Philippine Government has asked us to provide training to theirforces so that they can conduct the kind of counter-terrorism operations thatthey feel they need to. The Philippine Government needs some assistance from us,and that is what our trainers will be doing. There is no intention for them tobecome active combatants. They are trainers. That is what the Philippines askedfor, and that is what we have provided.

George Stephanopolous: Secretary Powell, thank you very much.

Colin Powell Thank you very much, George.