cheetah

MSNBC article

Well, who won the poll on which country we'd invade next?

The headline is my favorite part:

"President Bush, who makes his first visit to Africa next week, is prepared to send troops to the war-torn West African nation of Liberia but has yet to decide under what circumstances he would do so and exactly what the troops would do there, U.S. officials told NBC News on Wednesday."

WTF??

He's not sure, essentially, WHY he'd send them there, but he's sure as hell READY to send them! Story of his life...

Sakpo

Sending American troops into Liberia, especially as UN mandated peacekeepers, would not be an invasion. It would probably be a genuine humanitarian mission, and one welcomed by the Liberian people (most of whom are very pro American). Of course, it could end up being a genuine humanitarian mission similiar to Somalia. Lots of people with guns, and lots of senseless bloodshed... Liberia has to qualify as one of the most fucked up countries in the world. Of course, getting rid of Charles Taylor and stabilizing Liberia would be great for that country and the whole region, if it's possible.

Still, I agree, a well articulated plan, with clear objectives, and a well planned exit strategy (in case of success or failure), would be a must. And I'd be very hesitant to support putting American troops in that situation, things could get really ugly.

cheetah

Yeah, I actually didn't mean to evaluate the pros and cons of going to Liberia. It was more the idea that Bush is rarin' to go, although he doesn't seem to be sure why. Perhaps I should have put this in Humor...

Nog

I doubt he is "rarin" to go, but is probably getting flak from the UN to do something about the situation. Of course if we do send troops and something goes wrong its all America's fault, BUT if it goes good the UN will take full credit.

paul30

Hey, I didn't know Liberia had OIL!!!!!

theyeti

Nah, but they do have gold. Just ask Pat Robertson.

theyeti

Laci

We're not attacking another country; we're not invading another country. Liberia has asked us to come in and help them out.
This is a country we created. And we're the country Liberia wants there now.
There won't be alot of military going there.
It's not anything like the Iraq situation.

jman0904

Exactly. It actually appears that this would be a real peace-keeping mission, and with a populace that actually wants us to intervene.
Of course, being cynical, I must say this:
We must be diversifying. I didn't know Bush was interested in Diamond futures.

Lamunus

Well if British and French troops are obliged to keep the peace in their rather more impressive array of former colonies, you lot bloody well are too. That said, it is pleasant to see the reluctance of George to conduct a bone fide legitimate military excursion when he does have the support of the UN... Can anyone say, "morally bankrupt oligarchy" ?

Lamunus

Nog

Flame American/Bush all you want, at least we are sending some help. Thats more then England/France ect ect can say...

Again they dont want to get their hands dirty if something does go wrong, welll thats fine let America do the dirty work. Its not like it will be the first time.