The US state department condemned the attacks in Damascus but said they must not deter the Arab League observers from doing their work.

BBC: Syria says twin suicide bombings in Damascus kill 44

The point is that, as a practical matter, attacks on such targets must be deterred, not simply defended against.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Winning Issue

And we need a president who understands the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen and not wait to be hit again.

NPR: Transcript: President Bush At The RNC

And we need a president who understands the lessons of September 11, 2001: that to protect America, we must stay on the offense, stop attacks before they happen, and not wait to be hit again.

CNN: Bush: McCain's life is a story of service above self