Posted on 08/16/2004 1:12:49 PM PDT by Former Military Chick
SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- When NATO forces first came to Bosnia nearly a decade ago, they lived in heavily guarded compounds, patrolled the streets in tanks, and often wore full body armor.
Now, as part of an effort to bring the troops closer to the people they are protecting, scores of soldiers rent ordinary homes in communities throughout the country, shop in neighborhood stores, eat at local cafes, and conduct what military officials call "soft patrols" without flak jackets or helmets.
The changes, which one military official called "the next step in the evolution of peacekeeping," leave troops in Sarajevo exposed to danger in a way that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. That NATO is making such a move now is an indication of how secure Bosnia has become as the alliance prepares to wrap up its nine-year mission here at the end of the year.
In December, NATO will formally turn over its truce enforcement mission to a force led by the European Union. Military officials here say they are doing so with the satisfaction of having helped to turn around what was once considered the continent's most hopeless case.
"We have a success," said Lieutenant Commander Mark Hope of Britain's Royal Navy, a spokesman for the NATO force in Bosnia. "We've reached the point of achieving a safe environment."
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
only 10 years and still considered a victory. Sad that Iraq will take half as long but will never be considered a victory.
Not quite true. Victory will be declared when the next Democrat gets elected president.
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