Because, it was Clinton who picked the fight with the Somali Warlords not Bush. Bush specifically opposed the effort to disarm. The mission was considered highly successful up till then. Here is a quote, from that bastion of conservatism, PBS:
"The UNITAF mission was successful during its too-brief deployment through April 1993. Establishing safety for relief workers while keeping the warlords somewhat placated and off balance; maintaining and demonstrating military primacy without making a permanent adversary or national hero of any local actor"
It was Clinton, who supported and voted for UN security council resolution (814) to hunt down and disarm the warlords. The idea to disarm from the Sec. General of the UN had been previously refused by Bush. Bill Clinton supported it.
Another reason Clinton is responsible, is that the commander on the ground (Gen. Montgomery) asked for armored reinforcements, which was declined, despite support for the measure from Colin Powell.
Additionally, Clinton allowed the effort to be taken over by UN commanders, removing command from US officers.
Clinton, embarked on a path, that was clearly and specifically opposed by Bush. You can ignore the facts and (revise history in your mind) if you wish, but Clinton alone has blood on his hands for this. There is nothing you can say to ever change that. |
