Clinton Administration Reverses Military Commitment to Protect U.N. Peacekeepers in Croatia

Strategic Insights -

The Clinton administration has significantly altered its stance on providing military protection to U.N. peacekeepers withdrawing from the Balkans, specifically Croatia. Initially, U.S. officials stated that ground troops would assist in the risky operation, but now it appears that the administration is backtracking. This reversal has raised concerns about the potential resumption of the Croat-Serb war and the implications for peace in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration initially stated that U.S. ground troops would help protect U.N. peacekeepers withdrawing from Bosnia-Herzegovina, but now claims that this commitment does not extend to Croatia.
  • U.S. officials fear that President Franjo Tudjman's plan to forcibly eject the Krajina Serbs could lead to a resumption of the Croat-Serb war and jeopardize peace in the Balkans.
  • Secretary of State Warren Christopher warned Tudjman that ejecting the Krajina Serbs would be a mistake, citing concerns about the military complexity and potential human toll.
  • Pentagon planners estimated that up to 100,000 American soldiers, backed by air power, would be needed to extract U.N. troops from Bosnia-Herzegovina, with a significantly smaller number required for a similar mission in Croatia.
  • The withdrawal of peacekeepers from Croatia is considered militarily simpler than the withdrawal from Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Statistics:

  • Up to 100,000 American soldiers, backed by air power, would be needed to extract U.N. troops from Bosnia-Herzegovina.
  • The number of U.S. ground troops required for a similar mission in Croatia would be significantly smaller.
  • 8,000 mostly French and Canadian peacekeepers are set to leave Croatia by the end of March.
  • U.N. troops patrol an area of central and southern Croatia known as the Krajina, which has been occupied by Serb nationalists since the fighting stopped over two years ago.

Sources:

  • UPI Diplomatic Writer SID BALMAN Jr., "Clinton administration steps back on Balkans commitment," February 14.
  • Secretary of State Warren Christopher's testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, February 14.
  • Pentagon planners' estimates of U.S. troop requirements for Croatia.