EU military force not ready, should wait to deploy until unneccesary

NATO's top military commander has expressed doubts over the European Union's readiness to launch a peacekeeping operation in Bosnia. He predicts that as the rule of law takes hold, peacekeepers will be replaced by "tough" police. The SAC, Marine General Jones's comments are likely to create anger in Brussels. However it is not the first time NATO officials have expressed doubts about EU readiness to take over the mission. Check it out at EUobserver.

Meanwhile, Belgium continues to press for a rapid reaction force for the EU. The unit would be based (guess!) in Brussels. The unit would have airlift capability to actually fulfil the rapid deployment role. Something to keep an eye on from the faction that gives serious consideration to idea that the world would be a better place if America had a rival.