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Syria-Lebanon-Iran
UN outlines 'robust' rules of engagement for Lebanon force
2006-08-18
The UN on Thursday outlined what it said were "robust but not offensive" rules of engagement for peacekeepers to be deployed in Lebanon and called for urgent troop commitments from member states. "The draft rules of engagement call for the use of force to prevent the UNFIL area of deployment and operations from being used to hostile activities," Deputy Secretary General Mark Malloch Brown said at talks on the force. "Robust, yes, but not an offensive force. It is there to keep the peace as a longer term political solution is put in place," he said.

He called on member states to urgently provide firm pledges for troops, warning that any delay threatened the fledgling ceasefire on the ground. "We must convert promises into firm commitments and commitments into rapid deployments on the ground. Every moment we delay is a moment of risk that the fighting could re-erupt," he said. "The situation on the ground is tenuous. We must all act with great urgency to construct a lasting ceasefire from the current cessation of fighting."
Posted by:Fred

#12  Slime speaks:
Beirut Aug. 18 (BNA) Lebanese President Emile Lahoud has confirmed to the world that Lebanon has not only defeated the Israeli hostility, but has defeated the plot aiming at dismantling its unity.
Lahoud praised the heroism of Hizbollah fighters in once again defeating the legend of the 'invincible' army. He also expressed his pride of their firmness and the unity of all Lebanese with the government, army and resistance. Lahoud addressed the Lebanese this evening in a speech through which he outlined the latest developments and events. He called on the people of his country to build their country, maintain its unity in the same manner they resisted to and defeated the Israeli enemy. Lebanon will be assisted by many countries in the battle of bringing life back to it, he said. The Lebanese president as 'patriotic' , noting that its mission in the South is to maintain security and stability. The president promised the Lebanese that the coming days will bring peace, calmness and prosperity to their country. Lebanon was forced to pay the price of the attacks which resulted in the death and injury innocent citizens, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people, he pointed. Lahoud said that Lebanon was faced by two choices. It had either to accept the conspiracy targeting Lebanese unity planned long before July 12 or to face the plot in order to protect Lebanon, he explained. The plot, he said, comes to serve a suspicious agenda labeled by the slogan of a 'New Middle East'.

Posted by: J. D. Lux   2006-08-18 20:38  

#11  Here's an outcome. I suspect what you will see very soon is a defiant Lebanese President Lahoud (tears all dry) announcing jointly with Kofi, that a robust UN troop commitment is no longer needed, and that 'all thanks be to Alan' Lebanon and mighty Lebanese army can handle it's own internal security. Of course this will be a very, very well "paid political announcement" compliments of the Soodies and the Iranistanians.... who will gladly pump gazillions of dollars into that cesspool to keep the infidels out. The Euros will all be dancing through Paris at the news and sending financial re-build, re-arm contributions of their very own.
Posted by: Besoeker   2006-08-18 20:29  

#10  hope the UN force has their wills in order. Won't be any time to screw the native kids this time - they'll be too busy dodging RPGs and return artillery
Posted by: Frank G   2006-08-18 20:14  

#9  It is becoming clear that the purpose of the UN force is to protect Hezbollah from the Israelis. When the Lebanese shoot rockets into Israel, the UN will do nothing, but when the IAF retaliates, they will scream to high heaven and will try to stop the Israeli tanks from rolling.
Posted by: RWV   2006-08-18 18:37  

#8  Snease, great story, thanks for the link.
Reading it is a reminder of why it is critical to have and follow a plan with redundant backup for all possibilities. The next time, all incoming flights should carry extra water.
Even more important is to have a leader who wants to win, not just to build a legacy, like Olmert.
Posted by: wxjames   2006-08-18 10:39  

#7  "Robust, yes, but not an offensive force...

Run away!
Posted by: xbalanke   2006-08-18 08:35  

#6  I was going to post the following 1st person account of combat in lebanon, but it is somewhat old news. It is also the best combat writing that I have read in quite some time.

http://blogcentral.jpost.com/newsItems/viewFullItem$1183
Posted by: Snease Shaiting3550   2006-08-18 06:32  

#5  And the Lebanese Army should be put on notice that the net result of their collusion with Hezbollah is that it will be held responsible and destroyed along with Hezbollah when the first rocket hits Israel.
Posted by: RWV   2006-08-18 02:24  

#4  The way the volunteer list is shaping up, they won't even need pistols! It's going to be one big good ol' boys club!
Posted by: gorb   2006-08-18 02:04  

#3  If Hezb'allah doesn't disarm no UN troops should be sent in. It's that simple.
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom   2006-08-18 01:03  

#2  Other such marketing slogans...

Smooth but less filling
Posted by: Captain America   2006-08-18 00:51  

#1  "Robust but not offensive"

Only the UN would come up with RoE like that
Posted by: Captain America   2006-08-18 00:50  

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