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US ready to intervene in Liberian conflict (Adrian Blomfield, 30/06/2003, Daily Telegraph)

The United States appears to be on the brink of sending troops to end the brutal civil war in Liberia.

Officials in Washington met round the clock over the weekend to plan a possible armed response - its first mission to Africa since the disastrous intervention in Somalia almost a decade ago.

A statement is expected within the next few days, possibly as early as this evening.

President George W Bush has come under pressure from Britain and France to lead an emergency combat force to the Liberian capital, Monrovia, where at least 700 people were killed when rebels attacked a fortnight ago.

It is understood that the State Department and Pentagon are keen for action but have met opposition from the White House.

You can understand the White House wanting to stay out of a situation that could turn into a mess, but some messes are worthtrying to straighten out even if you fail. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 1, 2003 8:39 AM