Last week, John McCain became the Republican nominee for President of the United States. Because of his early and unwavering support, the war in Iraq is sure to be a central theme. McCain will trumpet the security gains of last year’s surge, while the Democratic nominee will argue for withdrawal (in Obama’s case, within 16 months of inauguration day). While the campaign rhetoric is sure to fly fast and loose, one thing Americans should know is that there will be no easy answers. Since the end of the invasion, American policy makers have been flummoxed about how to pacify and build Iraq after decades of tyranny and a mismanaged occupation. American voters, and eventually policy makers, will have to make difficult choices and these choices will be based on how we prioritize the mission in Iraq in relation to both foreign and domestic policy. (more…)

Peter Charles Choharis, writing in the Wall Street Journal earlier this week suggested that the United Nations hire a contract private security force, with the blessing of the U.N Security Council, in order to help quell the genocidal violence in Darfur, which is also destabilizing Chad and other neighboring countries.  Choharis is correct that under the current system, peacekeeping often “lacks the means to prevent conflicts from turning into famine, civil war and other humanitarian disasters.”  However, his belief that hiring private contractors will fill the gap is not a long-term solution.

What is needed is a permanent U.N. emergency response service designed to complement, not replace existing peace operations.  A United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS) would have first in – first out capabilities, designed to supplement the U.N.’s capacity to provide stability, peace, and relief in deadly emergencies.  UNEPS would individually recruit, train and employ 10,000 – 18,000 personnel with a wide range of skills, including civilian police, military, judicial experts and relief professionals. This ensures that missions would not fail due to a lack of skills, equipment, cohesiveness, or experience in resolving conflicts The Service would have special expertise in conflict resolution, environmental crisis response and emergency medical relief. Its military component would have two complete mission headquarters with military, police and civilian staff, technical reconnaissance units, light armored reconnaissance squadrons, motorized light infantry, armored infantry, a helicopter squadron, an engineer battalion and a logistics battalion.

The amount of money saved on post-conflict reconstruction will exceed the startup and operational costs of establishing UNEPS.  Plus, it will enhance the security of the United States, as fragile states have proven to be to be breeding grounds for terrorism and international crime.