Rebel Forces Enter Liberian Capital; 1000's of Civilians, Soliders Flee

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGA4KW5SBID.html

MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) - Rebels battling to oust President Charles Taylor pushed into the capital Saturday, as thousands of civilians and government soldiers fled the assault.

Using heavy machine gun and mortar fire, rebels crossed the bridge marking the boundary of Monrovia, said Liberia's military chief Gen. Benjamin Yeaten - the third time in the recent fighting that rebels made it into the city. At the end of June, rebels retreated after government retaliation and international pressure.

Insurgents appeared to be heading toward Monrovia's port, said residents of the Duala neighborhood, a largely commercial area where rebel troops have been seen. People inside the city center could hear explosions. snip

"We want the American government to help save our lives. We have no place to go. We and Liberia are tired of running away," said Johnson, who added it was the third time this month he had fled his home.

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[Laughing Mirror]

1. 4 hrs have elapsed since this story was posted

and still no comments

in an interesting reversal to his position elsewhere (i.e., Iraq) the US commander in chief states that he will send in no troops to help Liberia until Pres Taylor steps down

[Flubadubya]

6. Charles Taylor step down?

Pat Robertson won't allow it!

[DoYouEverWonder]

2. Thanks George

You really do care about getting rid of brutal dictators who kill their own people.

I guess this is Georgie's idea of doing something about the situation. Get out of the way and let them all kill each other. Maybe the CIA can set him up with a live feed, so he can watch another batch of useless eaters die.

[Enraged_Ape]

3. There's no oil in Liberia

Or Bush and Blair would say it's the most dangerous nation on Earth.

[DoYouEverWonder]

4. Despite the fact that Taylor

funds and harbors al Qaeda terrorists, W still doesn't think he's a big threat. Especially, when your business partner is Pat Roberston and you claim to be a born again fundie.

[On the Road]

5. We Didn't Want to Send Troops into When Taylor Offered to Step Down

and now we end up with a Somalia-type situation with no government whatsoever and everyone shooting each other.

Bush should look like an idiot for backing down on his statements about sending troops, but it probably won't cost him much. Who cares in this country?