The details of a peacekeeping action -- how many peacekeepers, under whose command -- are unknown; certainly the rules of engagement are a crucial detail, as many peacekeeping missions in the past have been too tightly restricted in their use of force.
Mr. Chirac also said only "very firm action by the international community," including the threat of military force, could break the cycle of violence in Kosovo as it did in Bosnia three years ago, after years of ineffective United Nations peacekeeping action there.
In 2003 the Security Council intervened in a civil war in Côte d'Ivoire by authorizing a military peacekeeping force an action that, with the help of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), led ultimately to the ouster of an electorally defeated presidential incumbent (Laurent Gbagbo) and the reestablishment of public order under a newly elected president (Alassane Ouattara).
In the end O'Brien, apparently acting on what he thought was a UN resolution, ordered the UN peacekeeping force into action against the mercenaries and against Katanga's secession.
Berlin's new position paper on international security, issued last week, points to a welcome expansion of Germany's role in conflict prevention, peacekeeping and antiterrorist actions.
Instead, the new guidelines order the armed forces to prepare for four core missions: to "win decisively" in a single major conflict; defend American territory against new threats; maintain global deployments to deter aggression; and, at the same time, conduct a number of holding actions, peacekeeping missions and support operations around the globe.
Its actions include peacekeeping efforts in hostile areas, fighting disease and hunger through the World Health Organization, fostering economic development through the World Bank and promoting education and cultural development through UNESCO.
The new strategy, as reported by Thom Shanker in The Times on Friday, expects American forces to be prepared to win one major conflict "decisively," while deterring aggression elsewhere, conducting small holding actions and peacekeeping operations, and defending the American homeland against terrorism and missile attack.
Mr. Denktash's action leaves United Nations peacekeeping contingents separated from each other on both sides of the demarcation line.
The United States defended the action as regional peacekeeping, although it lacked approval from the United Nations or the Organization of American States, and as necessary to protect Americans and provide humanitarian aid.
In order to assess the UN's expanded role in ensuring international peace and security through dispute settlement, peacekeeping, peace building, and enforcement action, a comprehensive review of UN Peace Operations was undertaken.
