The Strategic Relevance of the Multinational Force and Observers Peacekeeping Mission in the Sinai
Abstract
With the end of the Cold War, the United States Army has experienced an inverse relationship with increased operational tempo and declining force structure. In a fiscal environment of flat budgets and decreasing discretionary funding it is unrealistic to anticipate an increase in forces available to satisfy requirements. A viable option, then, is to review current commitments and to end those that have successfully completed their mission or are no longer serving the national interest. However, a careful analysis of each mission's strategic relevance must be made rather than relying on a cursory review of the tactical or operational mission functions. This paper uses the Multinational Force and Observers mission in the Sinai, Egypt to illuminate the strategic importance of a current military engagement that may well have completed its tactical and operational missions. The strategic relevance of this mission is evaluated on its contribution to the ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, as well as its relevance to the National Military Strategy function of shaping the international environment. Finally, based on the foregoing analysis, this paper offers a methodology that can be applied to an international situation to evaluate the appropriateness of military intervention in concert with established National Security Strategy guidelines. This test is based upon a modification of the Just War Criteria and a refinement of PDD 25 guidelines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA374961
Entities
People
- Gordon H. Mereness
Organizations
- United States Army War College