Readers React: In praise of U.N. peacekeeepers

To the editor: Stephen Schlesinger highlights the grave dangers facing peacekeepers in a world plagued with escalating turmoil and violence. With growing turmoil comes a growing need for United Nations peacekeeping missions. (“The dangerous, valuable work of U.N. peacekeepers,” Opinion, Sept. 18)

It is evident that peacekeeping missions are increasingly dangerous and have an imperfect record of success. Nevertheless, the overwhelming net effect of these missions is indisputably positive. They have stemmed violence, advanced global stability and saved millions of innocent lives.

We must not allow the recent spate of tragic deaths to blind us to the positive role that peacekeepers play in safeguarding our national security interests and protecting the innocent. As the world’s largest funder of global peacekeeping, the United States must continue to provide leadership and wisdom in deploying these forces along with other diplomatic, political and military tools to prevent and resolve conflict.

Janice Kamenir-Reznik, Encino

The writer is president and co-founder of Jewish World Watch, which combats genocide and mass atrocities.

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