What the papers say

Journalist Keith Baker reviews Thursday's morning papers.

At home, developments on the decommissioning front are eagerly awaited.

The Irish News believes crucial decisions are close at hand and feels that a defining moment has been reached.

It says the argument that the Stormont institutions could remain in place while the IRA retained access to its entire arsenal has been comprehensively demolished.

The News Letter wonders if something is really going to happen or if the IRA are just playing games.

It points out, however, that if they say the war is over and honour their promise to put weapons beyond use, then all things become possible.

If they clearly demonstrate a commitment to peace and democracy, the paper says, then they will not find unionism wanting in terms of its response.

'Nightmare'

The Mirror greets us with the word 'panic'. Alternatively, you've got the word 'nightmare' across the front of the Express.

So, as you can see, if you're feeling agitated by world events there's nothing much this morning to calm your troubled nerves.

The Daily Telegraph sums up everything that has been happening, including the assassination in Israel yesterday, with the words 'World in Turmoil'.

Even at home, we're feeling the ripples, like that story from Tyrone this morning.

The News Letter talks of anthrax fear gripping Ulster and reports that the emergency services have been put on high alert after a series of security scares.

The Daily Star gives a list of them throughout the UK.

'No confirmed UK attacks'

It says we must be vigilant, but it points out there is one thing to remember - the fact that so far the number of confirmed cases on this side of the Atlantic is zero.

A feature in the Express echoes this. It says fear may be in the air but it's our duty not to spread it.

Meanwhile, the Independent reports on the turmoil in Washington at the Capitol building, the symbol of American democracy, where the anthrax has been real, not a scare.

It quotes "ne worker there as saying things are "fraught, confused. In fact it's pretty much like usual except it's worse".

Afghanistan bombing

The Mirror is becoming anxious about the continuing bombardment of Afghanistan.

To support its concerns, it carries a front page picture of the face of a bloodstained child who was injured in a raid yesterday.

It says he had gone to scavenge some bread for his mother when he was hit by an Allied bomb.

In a leader, the paper says the bombing should be suspended so that the starving can be helped.

It says hundreds are already dying and that will become thousands when winter descends in a few weeks.

But the Sun takes the opposite view. It believes the bombing should go on so that the conflict is over quickly and aid can get through.

'Setback'

The Mail calls the assassination in Israel yesterday a grim setback in the war on terror.

It says it has shattered the brief, uneasy, imperfect truce but the coalition must redouble its efforts towards a settlement.

Without it, hatred and despair will continue to fester in the Middle East and there'll be more recruits for Bin Laden and his kind.

In the Daily Telegraph, actor Richard Gere gives his thoughts on how to defeat terrorism.

He says that "if you can see terrorists as a relative who's dangerously sick and we have to give them medicine and the medicine is love and compassion, then there's nothing better".