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June 15, 2003
U.S. Troops May Have to Go After Hamas, Lawmaker
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A leading Republican lawmaker said on Sunday U.S. forces may have to help "root out terrorism" in the Middle East conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, including taking aim at Hamas.
In an interview on "Fox News Sunday," Sen. Richard Lugar, the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said American forces might be part of an international force to help stop attacks by Hamas, the main group behind a campaign of suicide bombings against Israelis, and other groups.
The EU force in Congo is making history by deploying for the first time far beyond the continent.
In mounting Operation Artemis at the UN's request the EU is seeking to prove itself a global player and, crucially, able to operate without Nato.
It has been described as a "very difficult, risky operation". But it is also seen as a welcome opportunity to demonstrate that the EU has added some modest military muscle to its economic weight.
France Weighs EU Peacekeeping Offer for Mideast
PARIS (Reuters) - France said Sunday it would discuss with Europe the possibility of sending peacekeeping forces to the Middle East if they could help to halt Israeli-Palestinian bloodshed.
Speaking after a week of violence that threatens a U.S.-backed "road map" for peace, French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin said peacekeepers would only be sent with the backing of the international community.
Knesset To Debate Road Map - And The 14 Points?
The Knesset will conduct a session on the Road Map tomorrow, at the behest of Meretz MK Zahava Gal'on. She obtained the necessary 40 Knesset Member signatures in order to hold the session. Prime Minister Sharon will deliver a diplomatic announcement during the course of the session, and a vote will be conducted.
Comments
I brought you the very real possibility back in April of 2002 Article# 55 that a multinational peacekeeping team might be deployed in the Middle East to protect Israel from terrorism. This looks to be on the horizon for the near future. Unless the world community steps up and stops terror in the Middle East the peace talks will never get off the ground. I really believe that some form of international troops will be sent to the Middle East within the year. This could be the European Union military's next mission. In any case, they will play a major future role in protecting this area.
Look for troops to be deployed and to be successful at some point. Both Palestine and Israel will have to cooperate or risk being label the one that is hindering peace in the region. Israel said earlier last year that it would not allow foreign troops on its soil. I think that will change.
The E.U. is starting to show off its military might. They are very interested in becoming a major player as a military power. Look for them to eagerly become apart of the multinational peace keeping team.
Take a look at the 14 points of the roadmap to peace, I think it will give you better insight into what is expected of Israel.
Pastor Malone