European Union leaders broke new ground yesterday when they committed themselves to support a peacekeeping force in Afghanistan along with troops from other members of the United Nations. Although each state's participation is conditional on its national decision-making and on a UN mandate, the collective expression of support represents a significant addition to the EU's political cohesion in international affairs. It is in keeping with an expected declaration by the summit today that the EU's security and defence policy will become operational on January 1st.
The immediate requirement in Afghanistan is for a stabilisation force to protect the new interim administration as it takes power in Kabul. Only a small number of EU states have the capacity to provide the troops and equipment needed. Britain will lead the force, with Germany, France and Italy also expected to participate. Ireland does not have the resources to participate in this first phase of the operation, but could be in a position to become involved in a second, peacekeeping phase if that becomes necessary.
This decision is more political than military, given the conditions attached. But it puts a frame on the EU's discussion of policy on Afghanistan and the wider anti-terrorism co-operation under consideration yesterday. There was widespread concern among smaller states when French, British and German leaders met on the eve of the Ghent summit last October to discuss their prospective military involvement in Afghanistan. This was reinforced when a larger number of EU leaders met in London last month at Mr Blair's invitation. Following yesterday's decision, it will be more difficult for the larger powers to co-ordinate their involvement in Afghanistan without reference to EU procedures for accountability, thereby alleviating fears of a directoire.
The summit agreed to issue a strong statement about the constantly worsening conflict between Israel and the Palestinians and reiterated its calls on the Palestinian Authority to dismantle the terrorist networks run by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The EU is to take urgent action along with the United Nations, the United States, Russia and the Arab states to break the cycle of violence and help the parties commit themselves to the search for peace. A major question mark hangs over Israel's precise intentions after its declaration that the president of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Yasser Arafat, is irrelevant, following the deaths of 10 Israelis in an attack on a bus in the West Bank.
The Israeli assault on the symbols and trappings of his power implies they are intent on destroying him. That would be a grave and historic mistake, for he is Israel's legitimate and indispensable negotiating partner. Any attempts to weaken or discredit him are unacceptable. In coming days, it will be necessary to exert maximum pressure on Israel to change its policy. That should involve demands on President Bush to reverse the unacceptable go-ahead he is reported to have given the Israeli prime minister, Mr Sharon in his campaign against Mr Arafat.