Peace Time Article Index : Current 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
 Latest
 News 		  Most
 Read 		  Most
 Commented		  Hot
 Topics
November 22, 1999
   
Three years ago, the US helped start the formation of a standing African peacekeeping force. US advisors have been teaching the troops non-lethal basics, including such things as how to operate checkpoints and search vehicles. But the Pentagon now wants to teach the troops how to react to hostile attacks, conduct patrols, and operate relief forces to rescue trapped comrades. That's only a half a step from offensive combat maneuvering, and liberal ideologues are concerned that the peacekeepers could launch the kind of coups, invasions, and insurrections they were supposed to prevent. --Stephen V Cole