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The UN at bay, 1990 to 2011
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After the Cold War, the UN took on more missions than ever. Some succeeded; others ended in failure and tragedy.
The Gulf Wars
When Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, the Security Council authorised force, and a US-led coalition expelled Iraq (1991).
In 2003 the USA and Britain invaded Iraq without clear new UN authorisation, dividing the UN.
In 2003 the USA and Britain invaded Iraq without clear new UN authorisation, dividing the UN.
Failures
Somalia (1992 to 95): UN forces could not end the clan fighting and famine relief was obstructed; after US losses in 1993, the mission was eventually withdrawn.
Bosnia (1992 to 95) in the wider Balkan wars: UN peacekeepers had too few troops and weak orders. At Srebrenica (1995), a UN 'safe area', about 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed.
Bosnia (1992 to 95) in the wider Balkan wars: UN peacekeepers had too few troops and weak orders. At Srebrenica (1995), a UN 'safe area', about 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed.
Successes and later missions
Mozambique (1992 to 94): the UN helped end a civil war and oversaw elections: a success.
Sudan (2005 to 11): UN and African Union missions tried to protect civilians in Darfur; South Sudan became independent in 2011.
Sudan (2005 to 11): UN and African Union missions tried to protect civilians in Darfur; South Sudan became independent in 2011.
Why did the UN fail at Srebrenica?
- It declared Srebrenica a 'safe area'.
- But the peacekeepers were few, lightly armed and not allowed to fight.
- Bosnian Serb forces overran the town and killed about 8,000 men and boys.
Answer: The UN promised protection without the troops or authority to provide it.
Gulf War (1991) was UN-authorised; Iraq 2003 divided the UN. Failures: Somalia (1992 to 95) and Bosnia, including Srebrenica (1995). Successes: Mozambique (1992 to 94). Sudan missions (2005 to 11) protected civilians in Darfur; South Sudan became independent in 2011.
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