"Ah making the world safe for democracy. Never works, lots of doughboys get killed but I sure feel good about myself!"
Posted on 07/21/2003 10:21:10 AM PDT by ejdrapes
WASHINGTON - Some 4,500 more American sailors and Marines have been ordered to position themselves closer to Liberia to be ready for possible duty in the embattled West African nation, officials said Monday. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld signed a deployment order over the weekend sending a three-ship amphibious ready group from its position off the Horn of Africa into the Mediterranean Sea, defense officials said. That would put the group in a position to get to the west coast of Africa faster, if needed for an evacuation of Americans, peacekeeping or some other mission. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in the Liberian capital of Monrovia was hit by mortar fire Monday, and U.S. officials in Washington said a number of building in the complex had been hit by gunfire, though they believe the embassy itself is not a target. With the weekend deployment order, it would take the amphibious group several days to get into the Mediterranean, where it would await further orders, Pentagon officials said. From there, it would take seven to 10 days to get to Liberia, if ordered to do so, officials said. There are 2,000 Marines and 2,500 sailors in the group, led by the USS Iwo Jima, which has been in the Horn of Africa region as part of the global war on terrorism. Some 200 Americans already have been sent to Liberia and nearby countries since African nations and the United Nations asked for U.S. help. On a request from the U.S. Ambassador John W. Blaney, 41 Marines were sent Sunday to Monrovia to reinforce security at the American Embassy in the war-shattered capital. There are 32 other Americans in Liberia from two teams sent to assess the humanitarian needs and the military situation. President Bush has said their report will help him decide how to respond to calls for Americans to lead a peacekeeping force made up partly of African troops. The report was submitted to officials late last week, but its details have not been publicly disclosed. There also are 100 Americans in neighboring countries standing by with aircraft as transportation or for possible evacuation of the assessment teams. The Bush administration doesn't want to send peacekeepers until Liberian President Charles Taylor steps down. Liberians, Taylor, and leaders from a number of countries have called for the United States to send some 2,000 troops to lead the force in Liberia, founded in the 19th century by freed American slaves.4,500 U.S. Troops Set for Liberia Duty
Yup. It's all our fault for not saving them from themselves.
Over Liberia? Strange breaking point.
"Ah making the world safe for democracy. Never works, lots of doughboys get killed but I sure feel good about myself!"
I don't like it.
We will be dealing with savages in Bongo-bongoland.
Prayers go out to our boys.
Typical BS. Our troops are not there killing Liberians. The place has been politically unstable from the beginning. It is civil war. We should evacuate the U.S. citizens who wish to leave and close the embassy until the civil war is over. That may take decades.
We have no national interest in Liberia. The argument that the country was founded by freed American slaves holds no water. American cities are full of freed American slaves too. We have trouble enough dealing with the freed slaves that chose to remain in America. The continued wailing for reparations is evidence of the ungrateful attitude. Thankfully, we do have a growing black middle class that appreciates the freedom and opportunity in the U.S.
it would take the amphibious group several days to get into the Mediterranean, where it would await further orders, Pentagon officials said. From there, it would take seven to 10 days to get to Liberia, if ordered to do so, officials said.
Calm down people. Don't you see its a well thought out plan. IF ORDERED means it will take a week to get to Liberia and haven't been sent yet.
The rebels are right on the border infact they are attacking the capital now. This thing will be over in 3 days at most. There are enough forces to remove Americans and thats it. The Liberians crying and begging will have to fend for themselves.
By the end of this week Liberia will be no more and we'll never have to worry about being tied to this country again.
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