Fighting in the Congo.

[Swampy]

While the world's attention is fixed on the rockets landing in Israel, the fighting in the Congo continues. The UN is accusing Rwanda and Uganda of aiding the rebels, which both countries deny, and is trying to prevent the rebels from winning, because that could cause a humanitarian crisis.

I'm no fan of the UN, but I support its efforts to prevent another massacre.

[bluejay77]

Nov 19, 2012 1:49:54 GMT -5 Swampy said:

While the world's attention is fixed on the rockets landing in Israel, the fighting in the Congo continues. The UN is accusing Rwanda and Uganda of aiding the rebels, which both countries deny, and is trying to prevent the rebels from winning, because that could cause a humanitarian crisis.

I'm no fan of the UN, but I support its efforts to prevent another massacre.

My own experience is that UN operations have improved the jurisprudentical situation in countries where the UN have been: prevented killing, prevented looting, prevented war crimes.

[Swampy]

The important thing also is to let the Allied countries (France, Britain, and so on) be in charge of any UN operation.

[Swampy]

The rebels have seized the provincial capital, Goma, and taken its airport. These soldiers have been accused of summary executions and rape, so their victory concerns the UN.

They seem to have the upper hand, but the UN may take action against them, which would put them at a severe disadvantage.

[Swampy]

Congo rebels are withdrawing, because of an international ultimatum ordering them to leave or, possibly, face military action.

The rebels are feared because of their brutality, but the Congolese Army is also a source of concern, given their lack of discipline.