I think this is smart.
When we first had talks about an italian leadership for UNIFIL after the war, many of the comments rotated around the ideas that the Italian peacekeepers left a good impression back in 1982 - they even taught people how to make spaghetti.
The Axe commercial had it right: 'First impressions last'.
Now UNIFIL is kinda hoping for a second impression. Says the Spokesman Liam McDowell, UNIFIL has created the Quick Implementation Projects (QIPs) with an overall budget of $500,000 to spend on projects of up to $25,000, such as digging wells, repairing electricity cables and providing street lighting.
There are mobile health clinics, treating up to 4,000 Lebanese a month; UNIFIL vets helping people take care of their livestock, etc.
The Indian peacekeepers have been teaching kids yoga.
The Spanish have been teaching them Spanish.
It's a bright idea. Not only does it make it more enjoyable for everyone (and it's a small liability on the UNIFIL's budget) but it actually makes things safer for the UNIFIL guys too.
What is important is that people be aware of what UNIIFIL are and are not. Though people are quite aware that UNIFIL is only here a monitor - and keep their faith in the Resistance's power, so it seems that there is nothing to worry so far. But all must keep an eye on this issue.
When we first had talks about an italian leadership for UNIFIL after the war, many of the comments rotated around the ideas that the Italian peacekeepers left a good impression back in 1982 - they even taught people how to make spaghetti.
The Axe commercial had it right: 'First impressions last'.
Now UNIFIL is kinda hoping for a second impression. Says the Spokesman Liam McDowell, UNIFIL has created the Quick Implementation Projects (QIPs) with an overall budget of $500,000 to spend on projects of up to $25,000, such as digging wells, repairing electricity cables and providing street lighting.
There are mobile health clinics, treating up to 4,000 Lebanese a month; UNIFIL vets helping people take care of their livestock, etc.
The Indian peacekeepers have been teaching kids yoga.
The Spanish have been teaching them Spanish.
It's a bright idea. Not only does it make it more enjoyable for everyone (and it's a small liability on the UNIFIL's budget) but it actually makes things safer for the UNIFIL guys too.
What is important is that people be aware of what UNIIFIL are and are not. Though people are quite aware that UNIFIL is only here a monitor - and keep their faith in the Resistance's power, so it seems that there is nothing to worry so far. But all must keep an eye on this issue.
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