Europe - get your act together!
Once again the Middle East is at the centre of events! To solve the problems for good something very new and politically courageous has to happen. See my previous Blog.
But here and now Europe has a fantastic possibility to play a crucial role in keeping the very fragile peace. The UN has (for once) been able to produce a solid mandate for a peace-keeping force. Everybody seems to be happy. Until the "bill" arrives. Altogether 15.000 troops have to be in place - the sooner the better.
Personally I cannot believe it. Most nations have for years reorganised their armed forces to be able to solve immediate problems by sending troops well trained and well equipped for that sort of situations. European countries have more than 1 million troops at disposal. EU and beyond.
Now, the isssue is if and when we are able to send 15.000 soldiers to a key area very close to us. So far (after two weeks) only 3.500 soldiers have been promised - and they are not even there yet.
Europe - get your act together. Get these troops in place within a couple of weeks. In this situation it is a question of keeping the momentum. A peacefire is in place. Now WE have to show responsability. Perhaps others must take over later on. But here and now: GO THERE. AND DO THE JOB!
But here and now Europe has a fantastic possibility to play a crucial role in keeping the very fragile peace. The UN has (for once) been able to produce a solid mandate for a peace-keeping force. Everybody seems to be happy. Until the "bill" arrives. Altogether 15.000 troops have to be in place - the sooner the better.
Personally I cannot believe it. Most nations have for years reorganised their armed forces to be able to solve immediate problems by sending troops well trained and well equipped for that sort of situations. European countries have more than 1 million troops at disposal. EU and beyond.
Now, the isssue is if and when we are able to send 15.000 soldiers to a key area very close to us. So far (after two weeks) only 3.500 soldiers have been promised - and they are not even there yet.
Europe - get your act together. Get these troops in place within a couple of weeks. In this situation it is a question of keeping the momentum. A peacefire is in place. Now WE have to show responsability. Perhaps others must take over later on. But here and now: GO THERE. AND DO THE JOB!