USIP argues that the environment in Lebanon remains unfavourable for a successful UN peacekeeping effort. USIP believes the peacekeeping force is too limited in capability, and that Israeli and US hopes for a forceful mission are likely to be disappointed unless there is a broader peace process.

Efforts to stabilize and pacify the Middle East conflict with UN and multinational peacekeeping forces have proven difficult—if not impossible. A look at the history of such efforts.

East Timor had been the feel-good story of UN nation-building. But success was declared far too early and international forces are once again necessary to restore stability in the world's newest state.

United Nations Undersecretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guéhenno discusses a range of issues including Darfur, UN peacekeeping efforts, and reforming the UN.

Whatever the outcome of the current round of peace negotiations between Sudan's government and rebel groups, the crisis in Darfur seems likely to drag on. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council is planning a transition from AU peacekeepers to an expanded, UN-led force.

In the aftermath of Al Qaeda's September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States and other international forces prioritized a plan to secure democracy in Afghanistan. After the fall of the ruling Taliban, Afghanistan has a freely elected president and parliament, a national army, and a foundation for economic development. However, a resurgent Taliban and a burgeoning production of opium threatens the momentum of progress towards a stable Afghanistan. Attacks have increased within the country, compromising plans for the withdrawal of U.S. troops. In order to execute a successful withdrawal of U.S. troops and sustain Afghan stability, economic growth and endurance is integral. If economic growth is jeopardized, a resurgent Taliban abates any U.S. counter-terrorist initiatives; at the same time, Afghanistan has the ability and the urgency to set a productive example in the Islamic world. The U.S. must reconfigure their role in the developmental stages of an auspicious Afghanistan.

Terje Roed-Larsen discusses his past and present role in the Middle Eastpeace process as part of the Home Box Office (HBO)-sponsored History Makers Series.

Listen to Terje Roed-Larsen discuss his past and present role in the Middle East peace process as part of the Home Box Office (HBO)-sponsored History Makers Series.

Watch Terje Roed-Larsen discuss his past and present role in the Middle East peace process as part of the Home Box Office (HBO)-sponsored History Makers Series.

Prince Turki al-Faisal talks about the Saudi-U.S. relationship and about the global security challenges that they both face.

Listen to Prince Turki al-Faisal talk about the Saudi-U.S. relationship and about the global security challenges that they both face.

Watch Prince Turki al-Faisal talk about the Saudi-U.S. relationship and about the global security challenges that they both face.

The United Nations announced it will send a peacekeeping force to Darfur to quell the ongoing violence. But can the UN succeed where the African Union has not?

Protests that left UN and French peacekeeping roops in Ivory Coast under seige have raised questions about a mission that had been cited as an example of a successful intervention.

The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton, proposes sending a high-level team of Americans to the Ethiopia/Eritrea border to help settle the simmering border conflict there. Eritrea objects to the mission, questioning its legality and saying it would only accept rulings that forced Ethiopia to accept a border agreed to in peace talks after the last war.