A Blueprint for Successful Peacekeeping? The Italians in Beirut (Lebanon), 1982–1984

On 6 June 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to fight the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Between August 1982 and February 1984, the US, France, Britain and Italy deployed a Multinational Force (MNF) to Beirut. Its task was to act as an interposition force to bolster the government and to bring peace to the people. The mission is often forgotten or merely remembered in context with the bombing of US Marines’ barracks. However, an analysis of the Italian contingent shows that the MNF was not doomed to fail and could accomplish its task when operational and diplomatic efforts were coordinated. The Italian commander in Beirut, General Franco Angioni, followed a successful approach that sustained neutrality, respectful behaviour and minimal force, which resulted in a qualified success of the Italian efforts.     

Glaciology in Aberdeen

ABSTRACT

The Department of Geography has been engaged with glaciological research from its early beginnings. The paper concentrates on the period from the appointment of Chalmers Clapperton in 1962 onwards, which coincides with the time when academic staff developed focused areas of research expertise. A brief biography of each of the eleven academic members of staff who worked in the area of glaciology is presented. This is followed by an overview of the recurring research themes and locations which have been revisited within glaciology over the years. It aims to provide an overview and flavour of the Department’s glaciological research.