[doug from upland]

Actually, as you should know, Bush sent troops on a humanitarian mission. The situation, however, continued to escalate and Sinkmaster had to make some decisions.

FROM THE CLINTON CHRONICLES BOOK:

When the Clinton Administration was planning for the raid, the need for armored vehicle support was pointed out. Secretary of State Warren Christopher said "no" to the use of armored vehicles. His rationale? "We don't want to escalate the situation."

Bill Clinton concurred, and there in the air-conditioned safety of the White House, the doom of those Rangers in the stifling, stinking, bloody heat of Mogadishu, was sealed.

--end--

I hope that answers your question. The quatgmire widened under Clinton. He had an opportunity to do military what needed to be done but refused. I will put up another installment of this series perhaps today. An AC-130 support aircraft had been previously withdrawn because civilian policy makers called it "being too warlike." Powell, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs had recommended armored vehicles support; the Marine general in overall command had requested armored vehicle support; the Army general in local command had requested armored vehilce support.

[stalin]

Thank you. Clinton did the political thing instead of what was needed. Sounds like a politician allright.