After air strikes on targets in Afghanistan that began Sunday, the people of this country find themselves in a new situation.

The government is seeking out the leaders of the al-Quida network and striking against them to disable the Taliban's military.

But our government also is dropping food, medicine and supplies for the civilians of Afghanistan.

The United States is trying to make its point crystal clear to the people of the countries that will see military action in the coming months or years: This is a war against terrorists and not innocent people.

It's a strong stand and the right one. The millions of Afghan children living in that country have nothing to do with the thousands who died in the World Trade Center, Washington and Pennsylvania.

The majority of Muslim citizens throughout this country and the world also played no part in the attack on America. Muslims are not to blame for this attack and all Americans must keep that in mind as these strikes continue.

The American people must stand behind this country as long as it makes its purpose clear and stays focused on the eradication of terrorism and not on the eradication of people.

They also must support each other in these difficult times, offering strength instead of fear.