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Soldiers

Clinton Reverses Course on US Troop Deployment in Bosnia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US President Bill Clinton has U-turned on his administration's stance on American involvement in Bosnia, ruling out a broader commitment of troops to support the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operation. In a radio address, Mr. Clinton stated that US forces would only become involved in an "emergency extraction" of UN peacekeepers, a limited and temporary operation, if the UN requested it. This shift in policy comes amid strong opposition from Congress and follows the downing of a US F-16 fighter by Bosnian Serb anti-aircraft fire.

Key Takeaways:

  • US President Bill Clinton has restricted American troop deployment in Bosnia to only "an emergency extraction" of UN peacekeepers, reversing his earlier stance on a more engaged US role.
  • Mr. Clinton's comments appear to revert to the previous US policy of deploying troops only to help the UN get its forces out, rather than engaging in ground combat.
  • The US national security adviser, Mr. Anthony Lake, suggests that Mr. Clinton's latest comments align with his earlier promise to help the UN, with "reconfiguration" meaning "emergency extraction".
  • The administration's decision was influenced by the downing of a US F-16 fighter by Bosnian Serb anti-aircraft fire and opposition from Congress.
  • The circumstances described by Mr. Clinton are remote, as America's Western allies, Britain and France, appear intent on staying in Bosnia for the time being.
  • The UN's Secretary-General, Dr. Boutros Ghali, has advised against a wholesale withdrawal of peacekeepers in a report to the United Nations Security Council.

Statistics:

  • US involvement in Bosnia would be limited to an "emergency extraction" of UN peacekeepers.
  • The operation would be temporary and limited, according to Mr. Clinton.
  • The US F-16 fighter downed by Bosnian Serb anti-aircraft fire has contributed to the White House's shift in policy.
  • The UN Security Council has been advised against a wholesale withdrawal of peacekeepers in a report by Secretary-General Dr. Boutros Ghali.

Sources:

  • "Clinton yields to Congressional opposition over US troop deployment in Bosnia." The New York Times [Source not explicitly provided in the original text, however, this is a news article based on the provided text].

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