Sen. Carnahan will observe war on terrorism firsthand

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., is traveling with eight other senators this week to the scene of U.S. military attacks on Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida terrorist network.

The lawmakers planned meetings in the U.S. Central Command in central Asia with foreign leaders, military commanders and U.S. troops.

Carnahan said in a statement that she wants to share "the message that we know this war on terrorism may take a long time, but that we stand united behind President Bush and our troops and are committed to success."

"This trip provides us with a unique opportunity to see firsthand the war on terrorism," said Carnahan, an Armed Services Committee member. "Hearing directly from our military leaders and troops about what their needs are will be extremely useful as we proceed with our work."

Democrat Joe Lieberman of Connecticut and Republican John McCain of Arizona, both former presidential candidates, were to lead the delegation of Armed Services, Intelligence, Foreign Relations and Governmental Affairs committee members.

Also scheduled to join the group were Sens. Fred Thompson, R-Tenn.; Jack Reed, D-R.I.; Chuck Hagel, R-Neb.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; John Edwards D-N.C.; and Bill Nelson, D-Fla.

Carnahan's office said heightened security prevents the release of a detailed itinerary.

Hagel and Collins said earlier that the group would visit Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Oman. Hagel also said the delegation would leave aboard Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's plane Thursday and return on Jan. 10.

A spokesman for Carnahan, Tony Wyche, said the senators would take a small number of aides and be escorted by the U.S. Navy.