Rumsfeld says NATO must go on offensive against terrorism

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The NATO alliance, a defensive bulwark against conventional armies, must take the offensive against shadowy terrorists intent on attacks more devastating than Sept. 11, Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld told NATO colleagues Thursday.

Pre-emptive military strikes against Iraq or any other nation suspected of aiding terrorist networks were not discussed at the NATO meeting, officials said.

Defense ministers did endorse the idea that terrorism is a threat for which they are inadequately prepared, and they vowed to get better.

"Awareness of the new risks that threaten us all must lead to a real will to push through the changes," said French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.

Speaking to his NATO colleagues at alliance headquarters, Rumsfeld used stark language to argue his view that European governments, as well as the general public, underestimate the immediacy and gravity of the problem posed by terrorists in pursuit of deadly weapons.

"Attacks will happen," he said, according to an outline of his prepared remarks. The only questions are "when, where and how." He also urged the allies to resist the idea that absolute proof of terrorist intent is needed before taking action. The terrorists hold the initiative, he said, and that must change. Otherwise the Western world will have to live with "catastrophic consequences."

NATO Secretary-General George Robertson called Rumsfeld's presentation "pretty tough" and said it made clear to all present that "germ warfare is now coming onto the agenda" as a big threat.