Bush invokes powers to target terrorists' funds President George W. Bush has announced sweeping powers to freeze the assets of international terrorists, declaring he was launching "a strike on the financial foundation of the global terror network". US officials will freeze the assets and transactions of foreign banks that fail to co-operate in Washington's campaign to track down and seize the finances of terrorists linked to Osama bin Laden, prime suspect in September 11's attacks on the US. 12:20  | Read Taliban masses troops to repel strikes The Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have said they have mobilised "hundreds of thousands" of troops to repel US strikes on the country as neighbouring Pakistan pulled its diplomats out of the country. 05:48  | Read Multinationals may face a new economy American companies are this week treading the long road back to business as usual. Telephones will ring more often than last week. Meetings cancelled in the aftermath of September 11 will be reconvened. Executives will begin to address in earnest one important question: how has the business environment changed in the wake of the terrorist assault on America? Editorial comment Food is a powerful weapon While the US steps up its efforts to cut off terrorist finances and destroy their bases, more than 5m people in Afghanistan face an increasing danger of starvation. The military build-up California gives Marines a taste of things to come US Marines have begun to arrive for training at a Californian army base where the terrain is strikingly similar to Afghanistan’s. Travel precautions How to stay safe amid dangerous liaisons Both the events of September 11 and the threat of anti-western resentment being stirred by planned US reprisals are reminders that companies must plan for the security of their travellers. It is by no means the case that all have such programmes in place. The diplomatic initiative Taking delicate steps towards Tehran In the highest level visits to Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution, delegations from Britain and the European Union will lobby President Mohammad Khatami over the next two days for his support in a global struggle against terrorism.