Operation Allied Force and the Weinberger-Powell Doctrine: An Analysis
Abstract
Operation Allied Force did not meet the basic tenets of the Weinberger-Powell Doctrine and was ultimately a tactical and strategic failure for the United States. From 24 March 1999 to 10 June 1999, the United States and NATO conducted a 78-day bombing campaign directed against Serbia and Serb forces deployed to the southern Yugoslav province of Kosovo. The Clinton administration stated before the conflict that ground forces would not be an option, leaving airpower as the sole tool to achieve the goals of the United States and NATO. The conflict was initially planned to be a 3-to-4-day campaign, but eventually it became a phased, incremental application of force. Stated goals were to end Serbian genocide of ethnic Albanians living in Kosovo and to force the withdrawal of Serb forces from Kosovo by coercion or destruction. Serbia eventually withdrew all its forces and agreed to the presence of a NATO peacekeeping force in Kosovo. However, the author shows that the stated goals of the United States and NATO were not achieved. Greater instances of genocide were reported after the bombing campaign commenced, and the Serb forces were largely intact and mission capable at the end of the conflict. Analysis of the use of force in Kosovo within the context of the Weinberger-Powell Doctrine shows that military force was not the right tool for resolving this conflict. Now Kosovo is a failing, independent state and a potential breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. The Weinberger-Powell Doctrine remains a valid tool for evaluating the potential consequences of the use of military force to resolve foreign policy issues. Adherence to these principles in the future may prevent the United States from alienating nations like Russia and China who could be partners in the long war against Islamic terrorism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA490930
Entities
People
- Christopher J. Galfano
Organizations
- Marine Corps University