Charm offensives more effective if you want to change the world

THE great personages of the world hold people’s lives in their hands.

Yesterday, at least 100 civilians were killed in the West African state of Liberia, when rebel forces penetrated the capital Monrovia and rained down mortar bombs on its citizens. Angry residents dragged a headless corpse to the steps of the American embassy, pleading with George Bush to intervene with troops.

Bush is reluctant. He wants Liberia’s neighbouring countries to act first. And he will only consider sending troops to Liberia if its leader, Charles Taylor, leaves the country. This leaves Liberia, a country founded by freed American slaves, in a bind. Its Government cannot get arms because Taylor is under UN sanctions for fomenting conflict in neighbouring countries Sierra Leone and Guinea. But now rebels control two-thirds of Liberia and are engaging in bloody attacks on civilians.