Lebanon (all aspects)

[SWJED]

23 August Associated Press report - U.N. Drafts Rules for Force in Lebanon by Edith Lederer.

Proposed rules of engagement for an expanded U.N. force in southern Lebanon would allow troops to open fire in self-defense, protect civilians and back up the Lebanese army in preventing foreign forces or arms from crossing the border, according to a U.N. document obtained Tuesday.

The 20-page draft was circulated to potential troop-contributing countries last week by the U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations, which is trying to get an additional 3,500 troops on the ground by the end of next week to strengthen the 2,000 overstretched U.N. peacekeepers already there.

The rules of engagement for the expanded force - obtained by The Associated Press - have held back some potential troop contributors because of concerns that their soldiers would be required to disarm Hezbollah, which has controlled southern Lebanon.

Some countries have also been concerned that the rules would be overly restrictive, all but preventing commanders from making quick decisions - including using force if needed...

[davidbfpo]

I like 'The Intelligence & Terrorism Information Center' www.terrorism-info.org.il and receive their newsletters. They recently featured a lengthy review of UNIFIL and the security situation in Southern Lebanon. Has some nice photos too, some maps are a little confusing.

Have a peek: http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/mal...n1701_0807.htm

davidbfpo

[Jedburgh]

ISN, 16 Jul 08: UN Peace Keeping in Lebanon: A Case Study

This case study assesses the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the obstacles it faces. It argues that the current UNIFIL force has yet to overcome serious obstacles to achieving its mandate. This in turn is linked to broader national and regional political and security issues that need immediate attention in order to facilitate a resolution of the problems confronting Lebanon as a whole.