You consistently say we should be "understanding" and "learning where our enemies are coming from" in order to defeat terrorism. If this is the case, how do you feel about the wholesale rejection of this approach by Europe?

European politicians have ruled out negotiating with Osama bin Laden after a tape the CIA says is likely to be that of the al Qaeda leader offered a truce to European nations if they pull troops out of Islamic countries.

"It is completely unthinkable that we could start negotiations with bin Laden. Everyone understands that," Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini told reporters.

European Commission President Romano Prodi said there could be no negotiating under a "terrorist threat."

Leaders in France and Germany also rejected any such offer.

"I don't think we need Osama bin Laden to start telling us how to handle our political affairs," British Prime Minister Tony Blair said after meeting with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

[...]

In Washington, Secretary of State Colin Powell called the European reaction "very direct and clear."

"You can't make a deal with somebody like bin Laden," Powell said. "How can you make a deal with a terrorist?"

© 2004 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.