"The Pentagon's understanding of the Policy," Clinton defense secretary Les Aspin would explain later, "was to move to more diplomatic efforts but snatch Aideed on the side, if you can." The policy, in other words, was half devoted to seeking a diplomatic accord with Aideeed, and half devoted to attempting to capture or kill him. Meanwhile, in September, American officers in the field requested more firepower--artillery pieces, Bradley armored vehicles, M-1 tanks, assault helicopters, and the AC-130 Specter gunships.So Clinton's policy in Somalia was compromised by Clinton's usual indecision and his pattern of not supporting other men and instead setting them up for failure and defeat.Secretary of defense Aspin turned down the request because granting the military's demand for such weaponry would send the wrong "message." In other words, American troops should try to capture Aideed, but not use any weapons judged too threatening.
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