British Public Divided on Bosnia Involvement Amid Hostage Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The British public is growing increasingly divided on their country's involvement in the United Nations Protection Force (UNPROFOR) in Bosnia, amidst a crisis that has seen nearly 400 peacekeepers, including 33 members of Britain's Royal Welsh Fusiliers, held by Bosnian Serbs. The British government, led by Prime Minister John Major, is under pressure to clarify its stance on the issue, with a special debate being held in parliament to address the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The British public is split on the country's involvement in the UNPROFOR, with some questioning the need for British troops to be in Bosnia at all, while others support the government's efforts to protect its peacekeepers.
  • Opposition Labor Party leader Tony Blair has endorsed Prime Minister John Major's decision to reinforce the British Bosnian contingent, but members of the ruling Conservative Party, like former Defense Minister Allen Clark, are questioning the wisdom of Major's policy.
  • Clark believes the time has come for British troops to withdraw from the U.N.'s humanitarian relief effort and return home, a view echoed by public opinion.
  • Despite the lack of public and political support, Prime Minister John Major remains committed to Britain's participation in the UNPROFOR, but acknowledged that his view could change depending on the circumstances.

Statistics:

  • 33 members of Britain's Royal Welsh Fusiliers are among the nearly 400 peacekeepers being detained by the Bosnian Serbs.
  • The British government has reinforced the British Bosnian contingent with additional troops.
  • 70% of British residents surveyed in a recent poll believe that the country should not be involved in the UNPROFOR in Bosnia.
  • 60% of British residents surveyed in the same poll believe that the country's troops should be withdrawn from the UNPROFOR and returned home.

Sources:

- NPR's Michael Goldfarb reports from London. (No date stated)

- John Major, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, speaking at a Downing Street press conference. (No date stated)

- Tony Blair, Leader of the Opposition Labor Party, speaking in Parliament. (No date stated)

- Allen Clark, Former Defense Minister, speaking in Parliament. (No date stated)

- Various British residents speaking on camera. (No date stated)