THERE is barely a corner of the world untouched by the atrocity in Bali.

The victims of this evil deed come from dozens of countries.

The bombing illustrates how indiscriminate terrorism can be, and how no nation, no individual, can safely declare themselves immune from the consequences of terrorism.

We await with interest to see how the international community reacts to the carnage in Bali.

In declaring war on terrorism after September 11, President Bush found a natural enemy in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime was harbouring the al Qaida terrorists thought to be behind the attacks.

In ousting the Taliban and hunting down members of al Qaida, justice was seen to be done for the victims in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

But the Bali bombing demonstrates that the installation of a friendly administration in Afghanistan has not rid the world of international terrorism.

The world is a big place. There will always be a hiding place for terrorists.

It is a fantasy to believe that by picking off the sponsors of terrorism one by one, the problem will go away. Such a policy is destined to make the terrorists more fanatical and more determined, not less.

While retribution may be the natural and understandable response to acts of terror such as that in Bali, it is not necessarily the most prudent.

More than ever before there is a need for international co-operation to combat terrorism.

It is impossible to eradicate terrorism. But it is possible to take action to starve terrorists of support and marginalise them.

No effort should be spared in making those countries sponsoring terrorism fully aware of the international condemnation for them, through sanctions if necessary.

But also, no effort should be spared in tackling the grievances on which terrorism feeds and flourishes.

The United States and Britain should resist the temptation of going it alone against Saddam Hussein. It is hypocrisy to preach the virtues of international co-operation, while at the same time contemplate taking unilateral action.

And they should re-double efforts to broker a settlement in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, which remains the biggest threat to global security.