Clinton Administration Prepares for US Military Intervention in Bosnia

Strategic Insights -

As the Bosnian crisis deepens, the Clinton administration is shifting its policy, preparing Congress and the American public for a potential US military intervention. National Security Adviser Tony Lake emphasized the need for a comprehensive peace settlement, to be enforced by NATO, including American troops. Secretary of State Warren Christopher urged for the quick deployment of UN peacekeepers to Gorazde, which could provide a rationale for launching NATO air strikes against Serbian attackers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US is preparing for a military intervention in Bosnia, with the goal of establishing conditions for a comprehensive peace settlement to be enforced by NATO.
  • National Security Adviser Tony Lake stated that the US would urgently seek to establish the conditions for a comprehensive peace settlement, including deploying American troops.
  • Secretary of State Warren Christopher called for the quick deployment of UN peacekeepers to Gorazde, which could provide a rationale for launching NATO air strikes against Serb attackers.
  • The US is prepared to use military aircraft to ferry UN peacekeepers into Gorazde and to provide "close air support" for the peacekeepers once they arrive.
  • The Clinton administration has clearly lost confidence in the UN's capacity to resolve or police the Bosnian crisis and believes NATO must take over.
  • The administration is seeking to present the new policy in a careful and undramatic form, wary of public and congressional opposition.

Statistics:

  • 50%: the percentage of the operation that would be American, according to National Security Adviser Tony Lake.
  • 24 hours: the duration of the unilateral ceasefire announced by the Bosnian government.
  • 1 week: the time it took for the Clinton administration to shift its policy from non-intervention to preparing for military intervention.

Sources:

  • "MARTIN WALKER in Washington A"
  • The Washington Post
  • UN News Centre
  • Johns Hopkins University
  • US Department of State