Sign in Subscribe
Soldiers

NATO and US Allies Stalled on Withdrawal Plan for Croatian Peacekeepers

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the March 31 deadline for United Nations peacekeepers in Croatia draws near, the United States and its NATO allies are at an impasse on a withdrawal plan, with disagreements over troop numbers, funding, and consequences for the peacekeeping mission in Bosnia. A draft NATO plan estimates that up to 70,000 troops and $1.5 billion to $2 billion would be required for a complete withdrawal.

The Pentagon argues that a withdrawal from Croatia would compromise supply lines into Bosnia, making logistical support for the peacekeeping mission there more difficult, while the State Department counters that a pullout from Croatia would not necessarily lead to a withdrawal from Bosnia. Meanwhile, President Clinton has not made a decision on whether to commit American troops, with senior officials suggesting that he is trying to stall for time to persuade Croatian President Franjo Tudjman to abandon his threat to expel the peacekeepers.

Key Takeaways:

  • A draft NATO plan estimates that up to 70,000 troops and $1.5 billion to $2 billion would be required for a complete withdrawal from Croatia and Bosnia.
  • The Pentagon argues that a withdrawal from Croatia would compromise supply lines into Bosnia, making logistical support for the peacekeeping mission there more difficult.
  • The State Department counters that a pullout from Croatia would not necessarily lead to a withdrawal from Bosnia.
  • President Clinton has not made a decision on whether to commit American troops to support the withdrawal plan.
  • Senior officials suggest that President Clinton is trying to stall for time to persuade Croatian President Franjo Tudjman to abandon his threat to expel the peacekeepers.
  • The United States is considering whether to send more troops into Macedonia, where 500 American troops are stationed.
  • Experts from the State and Defense departments and the Office of Management and Budget will meet with officials from other NATO countries to discuss funding for the withdrawal plan, with options including NATO membership, the United Nations, or ad hoc basis.
  • The removal of peacekeepers from Croatia could give Croatia the opportunity to attack the large, Serb-held area in southern Croatia, tempting rebel Serbs in Bosnia to defend their fellow Serbs.
  • Assistant Secretary of State Richard C. Holbrooke will meet with President Tudjman in Zagreb next week with "new ideas."

Statistics:

  • 70,000: Estimated number of troops required for a complete withdrawal from Croatia and Bosnia.
  • $1.5 billion to $2 billion: Estimated cost of the withdrawal plan.
  • 16: Number of NATO members.
  • 12,000: Number of peacekeepers in Croatia.
  • 24,000: Number of peacekeepers in Bosnia.
  • 500: Number of American troops stationed in Macedonia.
  • March 31: Deadline for United Nations peacekeepers in Croatia.
  • June: Deadline for President Tudjman to expel the last United Nations soldier from Croatia.

Sources:

  • "United States and Its Allies Stalled on Withdrawal Plan for Croatian Peacekeepers" by an unidentified author, undated.
  • "Clinton's Position on Croatia Peacekeepers Remains Unclear" by an unidentified author, undated.
  • "Pentagon Warns of Cost, Risks of Withdrawal from Croatia" by an unidentified author, undated.
  • "United States Considering Sending More Troops to Macedonia" by an unidentified author, undated.

Read more