In the Ivory Coast today, what is standing between a mere political crisis and full-scale civil war are about 9,000 lightly armed UN Peacekeepers. Since the outbreak of violence in mid-December, these peacekeepers have played an indispensible role protecting the rightful winner of a presidential election and reinforcing this fragile nation’s democracy.

py-oped-cote-divoireUnited Nations observers certified Alasanne Outtara the winner of a November 28 presidential election. The incumbent, Laurent Gbagbo, has refused to step down.  Though lacking international support, Mr. Gbagbo controls Ivory Coast’s armed forces and has shown a willingness to unleash them in a stubborn effort to hold onto power.