Sam Gejdenson: “in the entire time the United States has spent involved in conflicts around the world, there has never been an instance…”

“in the entire time the United States has spent involved in conflicts around the world, there has never been an instance where our European allies have played as significant a role. Our role here is among the smallest of any engagement that we have had. We are now in a position where the European forces are the overwhelming part of the military; and they are, not in every instance, not in every account, but shouldering their burden for the first time. All of us believe in burdensharing. The question is, what is the process for the Congress to speak its will? The idea that we will choose a point in the future where there is an automatic trigger is a somewhat cowardly act. It seems to me, if we want to pull out American forces, pick the date, come to the floor, and do it. The worst of all worlds is to tell Mr. Milosevic, if he can somehow drive out one or two of our European partners, if he can get them to back off so they fall below 85 percent, 84 percent, wherever that magic number we pick is, that Mr. Milosevic will be able to feel that he can once again take control of the region. The Europeans are taking up a broader share of the responsibility than ever.”