Meaning: This quote was made by George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, in his address to a joint session of Congress on September 20, 2001, just nine days after the devastating terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The attacks, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, were perpetrated by the extremist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. In his address, President Bush made it clear that the United States would not differentiate between the terrorists who carried out the attacks and the countries or individuals who provided them with support and shelter.

This statement reflected the gravity of the situation and the resolve of the United States to respond decisively to the threat of terrorism. It signaled a shift in American foreign policy towards a more aggressive stance against terrorism and those who enable it. The decision to hold both the perpetrators and their supporters accountable sent a strong message to the world that the United States would not tolerate any form of terrorism or those who aided and abetted it.

The quote also underscored the principle of collective responsibility in the fight against terrorism. By refusing to make a distinction between the terrorists and those who harbored them, President Bush was emphasizing that all parties involved in terrorist activities would be held accountable for their actions. This approach aimed to disrupt the networks that supported and facilitated terrorist activities, making it more difficult for terrorists to operate with impunity.

Furthermore, the quote reflected the determination of the United States to pursue a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism. Rather than solely targeting the individuals who carried out the attacks, the United States sought to dismantle the infrastructure that allowed terrorist organizations to thrive. This involved not only military action against the perpetrators but also diplomatic and economic measures to isolate and pressure the countries and entities that supported terrorism.

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the United States led an international coalition to confront and dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their financing, and hold accountable those who provided them with sanctuary or resources. This global effort demonstrated the seriousness with which the international community regarded the threat of terrorism and the need for a coordinated response to address it.

The quote also had significant implications for US foreign policy and its approach to state sponsors of terrorism. It signaled a departure from a more cautious and nuanced approach to dealing with countries that harbored or supported terrorist groups. Instead, the United States adopted a more assertive stance, making it clear that there would be consequences for states that condoned or facilitated terrorist activities within their borders.

In conclusion, George W. Bush's statement that "We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them" encapsulated the determination of the United States to confront and eradicate terrorism in all its forms. It set the tone for a robust and uncompromising approach to combating terrorism, both at home and abroad, and signaled a fundamental shift in US foreign policy towards state sponsors of terrorism.