July, 2001

The Multinational Force in Sinai

Dr. Mahmoud Abdel-Hamid Soliman

The press has recently issued statements concerning the United States' intention to re-evaluate its participation in the multinational force in Sinai. The multinational force was established 20 years ago, in accordance with the Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty, to act as a substitute for the International Emergency Force, whose mission ended in 1979. The multinational force undertook the operation of checkpoints, scouting patrols and observation units along the international borders dividing Egypt and Israel in order to observe any violation of the peace treaty. The force consisted of 2,000 personnel from different countries, including the United States, Canada, France and Italy. The United States reserved most of the leading positions in the force. In accordance with international law, the general director of the force, along with his deputies and their families enjoyed privileges and immunities granted to diplomatic delegates.

The United Nations had previously established a peacekeeping force on the borders of Egypt and Israel following the aggression in 1956, known as the International Emergency Force, which continued until May 1967, when it withdrew in response to Egyptian demands. Following the October War of 1973, a second emergency force was established and continued to perform its duties stated in the disengagement treaties until 1979. In addition, a third force, representing the Truce Inspection Force formed following the 1848 war, was placed in five checkpoints in Sinai.

In addition to its position as the main constituent of the multinational force, the United States was active in the region at the beginning of the 1970s after the Soviet influence receded. Despite becoming the world's sole superpower after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the United States increased its attention towards the Middle East after the Gulf War, as an effort directed towards the various tracks of the peace settlement.

If the statements released concerning US president George W Bush's intention to re-evaluate the US involvement in international forces are true, then this could be a result of the absence of a rival world power and also due to the government's review of its foreign political interests and priorities. If this review results in a decision to lessen the active US role and restrict it to a strong presence in the Gulf area, then there would be a need for the United Nations to take a more active role in preserving peace.