"We fully support our government's resolve to bring those responsible to justice," the Islamic Society of North America said in a statement.

But the group added that it wished this could have been accomplished without a military campaign.

The United States should "end the military action as soon as the criminals are apprehended" and then join an international effort to rebuild Afghanistan, said the society, which stages an annual meeting that attracts tens of thousands of Muslims.

"This is a war against terrorism, not Islam," said the Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations, endorsing a point raised repeatedly by President George W. Bush.

CAIR said its support for Bush's effort "will remain firm whether or not we agree with the particular tactics used to carry out that campaign."

Both organizations also underscored the importance of America's stated goal of protecting innocent civilians.

In CAIR's view, America's "long-term struggle for hearts and minds" of people will only be won by "tackling the root causes of terrorism." The group said that means U.S. foreign policy must "promote justice and human rights in all areas of the world, including the Middle East."

The American Muslim Coordination Council also raised foreign policy concerns. It said the Bush administration should consider "the legitimate sentiments of the Muslim people around the world, particularly their quest for peace, justice, dignity and an evenhanded U.S. policy in the (Middle East) region."

U.S. Muslims have often complained that America favors Israel in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

At the American Muslim Council in Washington, executive director Aly Abuzaakouk said, "We support our brave men and women who are fighting to protect us from terrorism."

All four organizations praised Bush for airlifting humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.

The Islamic Society of North America, based in Plainfield, Ind., is largely made up of people of Asian and Middle Eastern background. Its secretary general is Sayyid M. Syeed.

A political action committee formed by the Coordination Council, including CAIR and the American Muslim Council, endorsed Bush for president a year ago, citing his accessibility. It was the first presidential endorsement made by national Muslim organizations.