Clinton Administration's Bosnia Policy in Crisis

Strategic Insights -

The Clinton administration's policy on Bosnia has come under intense scrutiny following the end of the United States' efforts to support the United Nations (U.N.) operation. The U.S.'s support for NATO air strikes has jeopardized the U.N. mission, raising the possibility that U.S. troops may become involved in a rescue or reinforcement operation. This development has put the administration's principles of support for the U.N., pressure to use NATO air power, and opposition to U.S. troops becoming involved in direct conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Clinton administration's support for NATO air strikes has jeopardized the U.N. mission in Bosnia, potentially leading to U.S. troops becoming involved in a rescue or reinforcement operation.
  • The administration's policies have been criticized for being inconsistent, with promises to support the U.N. and avoid U.S. troop involvement being undermined by the consequences of their actions.
  • The administration has been accused of making "unserious commitments" to the Bosnian Serbs, which they have seen through and challenged.
  • U.S. officials, including Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole and Senator Jesse Helms, have expressed support for U.S. participation in a rescue operation under NATO supervision, but not as part of the U.N. mission.
  • The administration has been criticized for not doing a better job of explaining its Bosnian policy to the American people.

Statistics:

  • The current U.S.-led air campaign in Bosnia is the largest in world history, with the U.S. conducting the biggest air lift operation ever undertaken.
  • Over the past few days, the U.S. has been preparing to increase its involvement in the conflict, with some analysts predicting that U.S. troops may become involved in a rescue or reinforcement operation.
  • The U.S. has been involved in over 2 years of Bosnian policy-making, with the Balkans becoming a major policy focus for the administration since the outbreak of civil war in 1992.

Sources:

  • NPR's Tom Gjelten report, quoting President Clinton's White House news conference last week.
  • Richard Pearl, assistant secretary of defense under President Reagan, as quoted in the Washington Times last week.
  • Senate Majority Leader Robert Dole's statement to the press, reiterating his support for U.S. assistance to its allies in Bosnia who want to withdraw.
  • Senator Jesse Helms' interview with the Washington Times, saying he would support U.S. participation in a rescue operation under NATO supervision.
  • The text of President Clinton's White House news conference, as reported by NPR.