His operations in Afghanistan were the targets of an American cruise-missile attack, following the embassy attacks, that American officials cast as a pre-emptive raid.

They handed out leaflets bearing the headline "Death to America" that described the American cruise-missile attacks on the Sudan and Afghanistan as acts of terrorism.

If the plant was not an immediate threat, Washington should have explored opportunities to resolve the Shifa question by diplomacy before resorting to cruise-missile attack.

Under President Bill Clinton, cruise-missile attacks and aerial bombardments became the hallmark of the use of American military power abroad.

Removing a Rationale Even the cruise-missile attack against the Zaafaraniya complex, which was launched four days later, sent a mixed message.

Bipartisan support is expected, even though several Republican leaders questioned whether Mr. Clinton was using the cruise-missile attacks for political advantage.

"But the Nimitz's escorts have already proved that they can protect themselves from cruise-missile attack," Chercherovin put in.

The Administration made measured claims of success today for the cruise-missile attacks in the Sudan and Afghanistan on Thursday.

Combined with these will be cruise-missile attacks both from shore installations and from submarines.

Juan Williams of Fox News Sunday predicted a cruise-missile attack followed by "hand-to-hand combat."