On September 20, 2001, President Bush addressed the nation before a joint session of Congress. “The President blamed al Qaeda for 9/11 and the 1998 embassy bombings, and, for the first time, declared that al Qaeda was ‘responsible for bombing the USS Cole.’ He reiterated the ultimatum that has already been conveyed privately. ‘The Taliban must act, and act immediately,’ he said. ‘They will hand over the terrorists, or they will share in their fate…he pointed out: ‘Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make: Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.’ ”
– 9/11 Commission, The 9/11 Commission Report, Pages 336-337