Middle East Reactions to US Terror Attacks

Most nations in the Middle East, including U.S. foes Libya and Iran, condemned the terror acts on the United States. Only Saddam Hussein's Iraq raised a dissenting voice, saying the U.S. deserved Tuesday's attacks. "The American cowboy is reaping the fruits of his crimes against humanity," Iraqi state television is quoted as saying.

In Israel, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon offered his country's assistance to the U.S. and declared Wednesday a day of mourning in Israel. "The fight against terror is an international struggle of the free world against the forces of darkness who seek to destroy our liberty and our way of life," Sharon said. "I believe that together, we can defeat these forces of evil." As a precautionary measure, Israel has tightened security at its embassies worldwide.

In Gaza, Palestinian President Yasser Arafat was visibly shaken by the attacks. "We completely condemn this serious operation," he said. "We were completely shocked. It is very difficult to explain my feelings. It's unbelievable, unbelievable, unbelievable."

The scene was different on the streets of some Palestinian communities, however. In the West Bank city of Nablus, people fired in the air and handed out sweets to celebrate the attacks against Israel's key ally. But most West Bank towns were quiet.

Both Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and Iranian President Mohammad Khatami - whose relations to the U.S. are traditionally tense - offered condolences to Washington. "Despite political differences and conflicts with America, this should not become a psychological barrier against offering assistance and humanitarian aid to U.S. citizens," the official Libyan news agency JANA quoted Gaddafi.