Friday, August 25 06

Europe's pledge of 7000 peacekeeping troops to Lebanon's UNIFIL breaks the deadlock and spurs Russia and others to ponder contributions. Meanwhile the U.N. continues to hold its own as peace is maintained in south Lebanon and a watchful eye is kept on crises in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and D.R. Congo. Is it too early to see the phrase 'Europe the Peacekeeper' splashed across The Guardian? Sanctions failed to bring about reforms in Zimbabwe, and tension and violence between President Mugabe's government forces and domestic opponents are unlikely to subside without help. The U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations posts information about U.N.-sponsored peace operations worldwide.