Reading Between the Lines

A White House official..., insisting on anonymity "to speak more bluntly than diplomacy might dictate", said Bush would work to be sure it is 'clear to all around the world that nations cannot make a separate peace with terrorists.'

[in other words, my enemies are your enemies, or you are my enemy]

'Unless we stand together in a resolved way to fight terrorists, [unless you stand behind the USA as we launch pre-emptive attacks] in all likelihood, a given nation [the USA] will be subject to an act of terror,' the official said. 'If terrorists are able to attack those who are fighting them the hardest and have an effect [if they can affect the polls], then that sends a terrible message [we could lose the next election].' "