American officials did not rule out military retaliation.
His remarks raised the possibility of American military retaliation.
Possible military retaliation must be considered, and there is a concern that foreign civilians could be taken as hostages.
The official added that any military retaliation would thus be a largely symbolic strike with little or no military value.
A number of Congressional leaders have called for military retaliation against Iraq if its involvement is proven.
What is Bush suggesting by this - greater military retaliation?
But in recent weeks he has resisted right-wing pressures for strong military retaliation against the Palestinians.
But analysts said the terrorist attacks, and the prospect of military retaliation, make any revival in 2002 uncertain.
But there were other voices arguing that military retaliation was exactly what the guerrillas wanted.
It drove Iraq to war and led to the great, costly international coalition now threatening military retaliation.