India likely to pull out peacekeepers from Lebanon

http://www.india-defence.com/reports/2393 ^

[Srirangan]

The Indian Government is considering pulling out 775 Indian Army troops serving as part of the 1,990-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

"We are considering withdrawing of troops from Lebanon," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said here today. However, he made it clear that the pullout would not take place until the modalities are worked out.

With a new peacekeeping force comprising troops from Italy, France and some other nations shaping up to take over as a buffer force between Israeli troops and Hezbollah, India, according to diplomatic sources, wants to opt out.

The sources said the pullout could also be because the mandate of the new force would be peace enforcement rather than peace keeping. But the Indian troops are not likely to pull out before the expiry of the UN mandate on August 31.

[ladtx]

...would not take place until the modalities are worked out.

I worked out some modalities once, it was quite painful.

[SF Republican]

I would never submit to being under "French military leadership" (what a phrase)

[Srirangan]

The current UNIFIL is toothless. Better for the IA soldiers to whoop some Jehadi @$$ in Kashmir where they actually have the right mandate.

[Red Badger]

They might as well. They weren't doing a very good job of it anyway!..........

[Publius6961]

Anybody understand bureaucratese?

Other than "pulling out" I'm not sure what they said.

Is a reason given within all that gobbledegook?

What's the difference between "peace keeping" and "peace enforcement"? Does a jelly donut play a role here?

[Srirangan]

Good job of what? The troops are ordered to do nothing in Lebanon. UN, we all love 'em.

[Srirangan]

Please ask the UNSC.

[xarmydog]

Can someone kindly explain what it is that peacekeepers do?I know in Lebanon,they are used as human shields,and in places like Darfur,can not say without being banned.Seems like they are pretty much toothless where ever they are.If you have weak leaders,you have weak troops.Someone needs to step up to the plate.Kofi??Get real.Hasn't he been there forever?It seems like it.

[Srirangan]

Depends on the mandate given to the particular force in the relevant UNSC resolution. Yes, UNSC has been pretty toothless in the last 60 years. A good waste of funds.

[Publius6961]

Please ask the UNSC.

The UN Security Council didn't post this article...

[Jack_1]

The difference between "peace keeping" and "peace enforcement" is:
"peace keeping" = No guns
"peace enforcement" = Yes guns (maybe only water guns).

[Srirangan]

Anybody who posts an article becomes the executive authority on the subject?