Bush OKs Small Support Force for Liberia

Associated Press | August 5, 2003

[HAL9000]

CRAWFORD, Texas Aug. 5 — President Bush has authorized a small contingent of U.S. troops to enter Liberia to provide logistical support for West African peacekeeping forces in the war-ravaged country, a senior administration official said Tuesday.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Bush approved the contingent of six-10 U.S. troops Tuesday morning, at his ranch.

The troops could enter Liberia as early as Wednesday, the official said, and the team could grow to as large as 20 in coming days.

A defense official in Washington, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deployment, but said he did not know when the contingent would enter Liberia.

The authorization was made on the recommendation of Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, the senior administration official said.

The peacekeepers are already bringing a measure of calm to the country. African nations and the United Nations have urged the United States to participate in the force, citing its historic ties with the nation founded by freed slaves in the mid-19th century.

Bush has said that Liberian President Charles Taylor must leave Liberia. Taylor, then a warlord, launched the civil war in 1989 that has ravaged the tiny nation. One of his conditions for leaving is U.S. participation in a peacekeeping force.

[EGPWS]

President Bush has authorized a small contingent of U.S. troops to enter Liberia to provide logistical support for West African peacekeeping forces in the war-ravaged country,

I wonder how long it will take those on the left side of the aisle to throw a tantrum because although we are doung something it just isn't enough!

[EGPWS]

One of his conditions for leaving is U.S. participation in a peacekeeping force.

Sounds to me like a little bit "suckering" is being attempted!

[ambrose]

Isn't it great that Bush isn't putting our troops lives at risk for stupid worthless PR operations in Africa like Clinton did in Somalia?

[Aaron0617]

What is Bush doing? Bush said NO U.S forces, NO peacekeepers until Charles Taylor left.

Taylor is still in Liberia, but giving the benefit of a doubt. Maybe this article is in error.

[Jmouse007]

Break out the body bags

[ambrose]

Another victory for the "New World Order" ..

[HAL9000]

Isn't it great that Bush isn't putting our troops lives at risk for stupid worthless PR operations in Africa like Clinton did in Somalia?

That's your opinion. I fully support the mission and I'm confident our troops will accomplish it successfully.

[ambrose]

Our troops shouldn't have to lose a single fingernail over that god foresaken patch of land in Africa!

[grania]

This article states that six to ten troops are providing "logistical support". Why not hire private contractors to do that? It would seem to be a perfect way to provide this support, since it has been deemed necessary, without getting our troops involved.

There's no question that this is a horrible situation in Africa. It sounds more like a humanitarian situation, though, then a threat to US security. Members who sign up to defend their nation shouldn't be doing something that is so far from that situation.

[america-rules]

It's only 10 people going in to see what's on the ground !

[HAL9000]

Our troops shouldn't have to lose a single fingernail over that god foresaken patch of land in Africa!

Africa is not exempt from the Bush Doctrine.

Why should we just give up the entire continent of Africa to Muammar Gaddafi and his gang of anarchists? That would be the end result of your philosophy - and it would be harmful our national interests.

[cyborg]

People live over there in case you did not know that. No place is God forsaken as long as God exists. There were a lot of people in this country who would not have lifted a finger to help Jews in Germany (turning back a boat of Jewish refugees to their deaths) and said similiar things to what you said. You should remember that they are people too. I supported the war in Iraq even if there are no WMD because people are free. Why should we treat Africans differently? Because Clinton screwed up or because they're poor,black people?

[cyborg]

Liberia is a major shipping registry as well as rich in natural resources. Look at any country run by the muslims... I'd say Mugabe is an exception but he is an honorary muslim for his ardent support of them (and slavery). Even so, Rhodesia isn't as bad as it COULD BE should a muslim ever take it over.

[ambrose]

This is a civil war between feuding tribes, not genocide. As soon as we leave, they'll go back to killing each other. Do you propose that we remain there permanently?

[cyborg]

I am for a rigorous 'monitoring' of the situation. We have permanent military establishments all over the world, in Japan, in Korea (not sure about Korea, thinking of the DMZ), and Phillipines right? But I am not neccesarily thinking of 'military' intervention on the scale of Iraq. I just do not think innocent people who are victims of their governments actions should be ignored.

[NetValue]

"That's your opinion. I fully support the mission and I'm confident our troops will accomplish it successfully. "

I like to support my President, but what exactly is this mission and how will you know when it IS accomplished?

[NetValue]

"No place is God forsaken as long as God exists."

Many Christians believe God has forsaken Afica years ago.

[cyborg]

I don't know too many christians who feel that way. In fact, christianity is flourishing like a wild fire in Africa. It is not any christian's place to believe that God has forsaken anyone anywhere. Any christian who believes that doesn't believe God is all-powerful, and long suffering.

[HAL9000]

I like to support my President, but what exactly is this mission and how will you know when it IS accomplished?

The mission is to prevent Liberia from becoming another Afghanistan.

It will be accomplished when the bad guys fail to establish Liberia as a haven for international terrorists.