UN Forces

[anotheoldgit]

Has anyone else noticed that when the media is discussing the makeup of troops from the European nations to form the UN peacekeepers in Lebenham, nothing has been mentioned about Britain's contribution (at least I have not heard it mentioned). It looks as if France is chickening out, Italy has promised to lead, no word yet of Germany, or any one else. Are they waiting for Blair to come off his hols. to make our usual contribution to world affairs?

[spudqueen]

Lebenham?? Lebanon surely!! lol

[steve208]

Interesting that you think Blair returning will mean a troop contribution to the UN forces from the UK will become likely.

However even if he should make a contribution then it would be small and perhaps only in response to filling a "capability need" in that those managing the UN forces will ask for something that UK forces specialise in. I am no expert on the different branches of the army but i am sure we have specialism's which they will need.

Also to add, following the deployment of UK forces to help evacuate UK and commonwealth citizens in july it was announced that british forces would play no role in any peacekeeping force. The main reason for this is that britain has too many global commitments to allow any substantial force to be sent.

Furthermore one must consider the cost implications, these being more indirect rather than direct as when UK troops are on duty with the UN the Uk government is paid by the UN for the use of their forces. The in direct costs would result from the need to shape logistical systems better to fit another commitment into an already over burdened defence system.

[suffragette]

I don't think the French have chickened out. Isn't their concern more to do with the rules of engagement?

The French were very angry that their soldiers had to stand by and allow hostile forces to do as they pleased in Rwanda and Bosnia because the UN would only allow them to open fire if they were themselves fired upon.

[Whickerman]

there are 2000 French troops heading out there to spearhead the group - hardly chicken. And your usual contribution - the world could do without.
And it's Lebanon. (Sorry -tired and cranky).

[smithers]

I wonder why the French are so desperate to send troops to Lebanon? Maybe something to do with the fact that they supply arms to Syria who in turn supply Hezbollah..........mmmmmm call me suspicious. And isnt it strange how Syria dont want UN peacekeepers stationed at their border with Lebanon????????
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/5 280592.stm

[Loosehead]

France chickening out? who would have thought it?

[PhilBy]

Britain said right at the beginning of the talks that they would not be contributing troops to the UN Peacekeeping force.

[rojash]

So, can I just get this right? France are chickening out by sending 2000 troops. Britain is not chickening out, but is sending none.

I love the news section - it's so full of loonies

[anotheoldgit]

This was posted before while France was still sitting on the fence and had not made up it's mind how many to send out. Check dates of posting Wickerman & rojash before jumping the gun.