The signing of a peace accord between Israel and Syria may hinge on the willingness of the United States to provide peacekeepers to monitor the Golan Heights. From the viewpoint of the U. S. national interest, this paper examines the costs, risks, and benefits of deploying a force. It concludes that the strategic benefits outweigh the costs, and that the United States should provide peacekeepers if requested by both Israel and Syria. This commitment would promote stability in a volatile region which is a high priority on the U. S. foreign policy agenda. In a Golan peacekeeping scenario, Israel and Syria view the United States as uniquely qualified to address their domestic, political, and security concerns. There are costs and risks, but when balanced against the potential benefits of a peace accord between Israel and Syria, they are acceptable. To enhance the success and minimize some of the cost, the authors make six recommendations for this prospective mission. While these recommendations for improvement specifically target a Golan deployment, they may also be applied to peacekeeping missions in general. Lessons learned from other peace operations are incorporated where relevant. The recommendations address the following areas for improvement: Unit evaluation; criteria; In-theater training opportunities; Deployment rotation schedule; Unit-level political and cultural training; Public and Congressional support; Exit strategy. Despite the burden that an additional peacekeeping mission may place on the U. S. military, a Golan commitment may be necessary when viewed within the context of U. S. regional interests. As it assumes a larger role in such operations, the military must continue to adjust its doctrine, structure, and culture.

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