President Bush’s State of the Union address on Jan. 29 was a renewed call to arms for the American people against global world terrorism. His words were well received at home, but they were unsettling to many of the allies, especially Europeans. They worried about the go-it-alone tone, the term “axis of evil” and the seeming implication that the United States was preparing for imminent pre-emptive assaults against Iraq, Iran and North Korea.

The speech referred generally to the “great coalition” against terrorism but contained not a word of appreciation for the many allied troops involved in fighting and peacekeeping in Afghanistan. Bellicose statements by Vice President Dick Cheney and other administration figures caused further anxiety. And now the president has declared that he will use nuclear weapons if necessary to defend American security. Was the United States about to lead them into war against Iraq without agreement or even consultation on goals and strategy?

Mr. Bush’s speech March 11, six months after the Sept. 11 attacks, setting forth his plans for the second stage of the war on terror, included full credit for the contributions of the allies. He thanked 16 nations by name, mourning their war dead right along with the Americans who had died in the Afghanistan campaign. This time, he addressed the world as well as the American people. More than 1,300 diplomats, members of Congress, military officials and relatives of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks attended the commemorative ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House. Flags of 179 nations flew behind the president in the brisk breeze.

This second speech clearly was intended to impart the value Mr. Bush places on the alliance partners in the war he has declared against terrorism. It reminded the American people of the importance of allies. Many were not aware of the extent of allied contributions. How many knew, for example, that more than 950 German soldiers are leading the United Nations International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, and that troops from the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark made up the rest of that 1,450-strong peace keeping force?

The second speech did much to reassure the European governments and the governments of other allies that their contributions were appreciated. They have no further cause for complaint about recognition and appreciation. But as partners in the coalition they have the right and the duty to contribute to goals and strategy. They should speak out and help the United States devise a second stage that will continue to track down remaining terrorist cells and deal with the threat of weapons of mass destruction in a manner that will hold together broad allied support.