Critics Assail Bush's Strategy of Restraint in Liberia

washingtonpost ^ | 08/10/03 | Mike Allen

[Pikamax]

Critics Assail Bush's Strategy of Restraint in Liberia

By Mike Allen Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, August 10, 2003; Page A21

CRAWFORD, Tex., Aug. 9 -- President Bush built lofty expectations around the world about his willingness to help stanch the bloodshed in Liberia, and now is facing widespread criticism for sending only a handful of troops, with no promise of combat forces, after five weeks of delay.

Bush authorized six to 20 Marines to go ashore this week to help Liberia's West African neighbors with the logistics of humanitarian efforts. But he made no provision for reining in the rape, looting and gunfire that are terrifying residents of the capital, Monrovia.

[lilylangtree]

Why commit our troops into the area? The surrounding African nations, with UN oversight, have the matter under control. Besides, no one's sure Taylor will leave. And if he does, how soon will he be back?

[Wild Irish Rogue]

Why doesn't that famous black man,Bill Clinton organize a voluntary peace keeping force, with his buddies Jesse Jackson,Charlie Rangel,Al Sharpton,Harry Belafonte, the Congressional Black Caucus,the NAACP, Maxine Waters, Cynthia McKinney, the head of BET, et al ? Surely they must have millions among them to fund the thousands of African Americans, who I am sure would be ready,eager and willing to act as volunteer peace keepers in their former homeland . If Ireland was the scene of such utter chaos,you'd have to tie me down, to keep me from doing something to help.

[I still care]

There's no pleasing these people, is there?

Don't answer that.

[Clinging Bitterly]

>> Critics Assail Bush's Strategy of...

Of course.

Whatever he does, hordes of critics will assail it. It's all they have right now.