The EU has eventually got off its ass and done something positive about the crisis in Darfur-after talking it to death for years.

About 4300 troops from 20 countries will take part in a European peacekeeping force to be deployed in Chad and the Central African
Republic.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2813819.ece

good for them. Now lets hope they don't turn tail and run the second the encouter any kind of resistance.

No chance.

If there is an incident theyll all sit round watchen and debating what to do for a year then return home.

Well, it's not exactly Darfur they are going to, is it? It's rather to help the Darfur refugees in Chad and the Central Africa Republic.

Interesting to note that the General implies the force is going to operate under the regulations of Chapter 7 rather than Chapter 6 ROE.

Can 350 Irish stiffen the backbone of a few thousand French. Probably.

Can 350 Irish stiffen the backbone of a few thousand French. Probably.
No, not "probably"....without doubt.

Can 350 Irish stiffen the backbone of a few thousand French. Probably.Hey, the French have some elements to recommend them. Once in Rota, Spain, I was going back and forth with a French Naval Officer who pointed out the superiority of their field meals (like our MRE's or C-Rats, back in the day). I told him, "Hell, yeah, you guys can cook! Look how often you've had to host opposing militaries." It's no wonder France is the caterer to the world.

(BTW: The individual Frenchman-under-arms is quite capable and professional. Their systemic problems are terrible, though perhaps things are looking up these days.)

you know who has the best field rations? the Belgians. I traded some MRE's for one of their rations once and it was like a real meal.

Had French?

no I havent, but I can guess it is pretty good, probably fresh bread.

These guys gotta have ready-at-hand negotiating items, to sue for terms, at all times. So the sauces are really decent.