Taylor is gone from Liberia, but strife and death remain

Charles Taylor isn't exactly where he belongs -- that would be in a jail cell awaiting trial for war crimes on which he has already been indicted by an international court -- but at least he's no longer in Liberia.
Taylor, who ruled Liberia in the same way he took over the African nation six years ago-- violently -- finally acknowledged the obvious and went into exile. In so doing, he has managed to avoid being held to account for his crimes against his own people. In that, he should consider himself very fortunate.
In the manner of deposed dictators everywhere, Taylor still acts as if he is the aggrieved party. He paints himself as a selfless patriot, willing to give up the power he stole in order to bring an end to the civil war that was killing hundreds of Liberians a day. "God willing, I'll be back," he said as he leaves. Not if God in his heaven and righteous men on earth have anything to say about it.
If Taylor uses his safe haven in Nigeria for anything but quietly living out his days, if he attempts to foment unrest in Liberia from there, if he attempts to re-enter Liberia, he should be immediately arrested and extradited to stand trial for war crimes.
Fighting isn't over
Meanwhile the bloody drama in Liberia continues, as at least one of the main rebel groups has promised to stop fight while another appears to be trying to take advantage of Taylor's absence to make gains on the ground.
President Bush, who at one point seemed almost eager to send U.S. troops into Liberia, read American public opinion and stepped back. In recent weeks, some 2,300 Marines remained off shore -- where they belonged then and belong now. Taylor's abdication followed the arrival of West African peace-keepers, led by Nigeria, and it is those forces who should remain.
African nations are capable of policing each other, just as European nations should be capable of taking the leading role when civil strife hits that continent.
Certainly, the United States can provide logistical support to its allies in Africa, just as it does in Europe and Asia. But ultimately, it is best if neighbors help neighbors.
Liberia still faces challenges, even after the immediate hostilities end. Taylor turned over government to his vice president, Moses Blah, which is only a stop-gap measure. The nation needs a stable, democratic government, and there is little time to waste.
The Economic Community of West Africa has expressed a willingness to help rebuild Liberia. It deserves the opportunity to try -- and U.S. economic aid in that task. But U.S. fighting forces should not be part of the equation.