Over the years, the United States has been a peacekeeper among nations worldwide. Recently, the United States has been keeping a watchful eye on two nations that many believe need our attention: Liberia and North Korea. Though there is debate as to whether our presence is needed in these countries, I believe the U.S. should be concerned enough by the situations in Liberia and North Korea to take some kind of action to ensure the future peace and security of our nation and others.
Liberia was founded in 1822 by freed slaves from the United States. Since 1980 the democracy of Liberia has dealt with civil war. Following a coup of states in 1980, Liberia's constitution was suspended, and in 1986 a new constitution was enacted. Under this constitution, a president and vice-president are jointly elected to a term of six years by an adult vote (MSN Learning and Research, 5). Currently, Liberia does not pose a threat to the United States or neighboring countries. Civil war in Liberia today is taking place because the rebel groups Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and the Movement for Democracy In Liberia (MODEL) want current president and former warlord Taylor removed from office. Taylor launched Liberia's last civil war in 1989,and emerged as the countries strongest warlord in 1996. The following year he was elected president. He now faces rebels who include former rivals from the earlier war (Zavis 4). These rebels want to play a bigger role in the proposed transitional .
government that will organize new elections. They also disagree with the fact that leaders in their rebel groups are excluded from top government positions (Accra1). Fighting between the rebels and President Taylor in the capital city of Monrovia has resulted in numerous civilian casualties. .
The United States should help Liberian civilians by sending military troops into the country to oversee Taylor's departure.