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I don't know and I wasn't attempting to disagree with you on that one, as I generally view any kind of "private army" as being an obstacle to peace in the aftermath of a conflict (just look at the great job the KLA's done).

What I object to is that this is being framed by Robertson and others as a Christian-Muslim conflict when, my own doubts on Taylor's Christianity aside, he is far from innocent and is likely in bed with our number one enemy and has sponsored Muslim rebels in Liberia and is a lapdog to Qadaffi.

More to the point, I disagree with the whole idea of a US mission to Liberia being framed in strictly humanitarian concerns. If that were our only motivation, then we should go to Zimbabwe, where a lot more people are likely to die thanks to the actions of Robert Mugabe. OTOH, if al-Qaeda is converting a lot of its financial assets into diamonds, shopping for weaponry, and sending operatives to Liberia then it becomes a US concern and a valid one. You give these jihadis a place to regroup and they will seize it and come back around to kill you again, you and I agree on this much, I think.

I agree with you--if we go in just to make it easier for the rebels --what a waste and potential disaster. If we go in on teh basis of breaking up all armed formations to stabalize the country to deprive al-Qaeda of a sancutary, hell yes! But we ain't doing that!

We need not send in Marines when South African Mercs can do the job cheaper and faster. But don't just leave the rebels in power who are probably just as evil if not more so than Taylor.