One of the least-noticed developments at the G-8 summit of industrial nations at Sea Island, Ga., was the group’s endorsement of an American plan – called the Global Peace Operations Initiative – to double the number of peacekeepers available for peacekeeping missions around the world. The United States, Canada and several European nations, which have been the primary sources of peacekeepers in the past, now have their hands full in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. In addition, the United Nations soon will be managing as many as 70,000 troops in almost 20 missions around the world. The system very nearly is running on empty.

Under the U.S. plan, an additional 75,000 troops from countries wishing to contribute to peace missions would receive training, equipment and logistical support from the United States or other G-8 members. These troops would be made available by their home countries for missions sponsored by the United Nations or by regional groups such as the Organization of African States or the European Union. The United States will put up at least the initial funds – reportedly $660 million.