French fig leaf will leave UN effectively naked
Yesterday evening, it appeared that the French were going to step up to the plate and lead the beefed up UN force in Lebanon. This was unquestionably a positive development. No other country has the military capacity and the relative trust of both sides needed to pull off the mission. A substantial French deployment would ...
Yesterday evening, it appeared that the French were going to step up to the plate and lead the beefed up UN force in Lebanon. This was unquestionably a positive development. No other country has the military capacity and the relative trust of both sides needed to pull off the mission. A substantial French deployment would ensure that this would be a robust military presence - not the usual UN rent-a-force.
But this morning it appears that the French might make a purely symbolic contribution. The Wall Street Journal is reporting chatter that the French intend to dispatch only ten officers and 200 engineers. The UN is desperately trying to get the French to change tack, realizing that such a gesture would doom the mission.
In other bad news for the force, the Germans have confirmed that they will not send troops. While one cannot help but understand the German sensitivity about dispatching soldiers to Israel's borders, a German presence would have reassured the Israelis. (Germany was one of only four EU nations to oppose demands for an immediate cease-fire.) Meanwhile, the Turks are understandably dragging their feet about committing themselves to the mission.
But this morning it appears that the French might make a purely symbolic contribution. The Wall Street Journal is reporting chatter that the French intend to dispatch only ten officers and 200 engineers. The UN is desperately trying to get the French to change tack, realizing that such a gesture would doom the mission.
In other bad news for the force, the Germans have confirmed that they will not send troops. While one cannot help but understand the German sensitivity about dispatching soldiers to Israel’s borders, a German presence would have reassured the Israelis. (Germany was one of only four EU nations to oppose demands for an immediate cease-fire.) Meanwhile, the Turks are understandably dragging their feet about committing themselves to the mission.
All of which begs the question: How on earth will UNIFIL get up to a 15,000-strong presence? What is unfolding now is all too typical of the way that resolutions are passed at Turtle Bay to great acclaim, but then when it gets down to actually getting something done, everything breaks down. The failure to commission a full-strength force to southern Lebanon will be another blow to the UN’s already dented credibility as a peace-making body. It is essential that the member governments of the UN prove that its resolutions are worth the paper they’re written on.
More from Foreign Policy
Lessons for the Next War
Twelve experts weigh in on how to prevent, deter, and—if necessary—fight the next conflict.
It’s High Time to Prepare for Russia’s Collapse
Not planning for the possibility of disintegration betrays a dangerous lack of imagination.
Turkey Is Sending Cold War-Era Cluster Bombs to Ukraine
The artillery-fired cluster munitions could be lethal to Russian troops—and Ukrainian civilians.
Congrats, You’re a Member of Congress. Now Listen Up.
Some brief foreign-policy advice for the newest members of the U.S. legislature.
Sign up for Morning Brief
Foreign Policy’s flagship daily newsletter with what’s coming up around the world today. Delivered weekdays.
By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time.
