In theory, such flare-ups should offer the European Union a chance to show some military mettle for all its talk of having a rapid-reaction force of its own, but in practice the Macedonian crisis comes when Europeans are still wholly unready for reaction.
European leaders are set to take a vital step towards the creation of a Rapid Reaction Force of up to 60, 000 personnel.
It is also implementing a radical reform of its command structure and forces, the key to which will be the creation of a new Nato reaction force of 15-20, 000 personnel, designed to react in days rather than weeks or months to crises around the world.
France, sensing an opportunity to push on with its aim of creating an EU standing army, wants to deploy a rapid-reaction force of some 1, 500 European troops but is so far being blocked by Germany.
Then a Quick Reaction Force of soldiers deploys to rescue the villagers and put everyone through a decontamination station.
After his meeting with Jospin, Schroeder was expected to chair a meeting of the Franco-German defence and security council, charged with laying the groundwork for a European rapid reaction force of 60, 000 troops, envisioned by 2003.
It will focus on the implications of the new reaction force for Alliance crisis management around the world.
In 1991, NATO defense ministers approved a radical shakeup of its forces in post-cold war Europe, including creation of a Rapid Reaction Force.
The 2, 600 troops, part of the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Force (AARC) headquartered in Rheindahlen, Germany, could be ready to take up position as early as Sunday.
Ahmad Fahim Qayem, commander of the Afghan Interior Ministry quick-reaction force whose primary responsibility is to deal with such attacks, rushed to direct the response.
The Bush Administration faces a critical, delicatechallenge in Europe, particularly regarding France: the European Union's move to create a European rapid reaction force, a military entity made up of troops and equipment from various European nations.
But Mr Hague claimed that Mr Blair had been rocked by the strength of opposition to plans for a European rapid reaction force.
BRUSSELS, Belgium -- NATO foreign ministers are meeting to discuss for the first time the implications of the European Union's planned Rapid Reaction Force.
Reaction has been mixed in Mexico to the show of force displayed by Latinos in the U.S. Much of he media has given the demonstrations far less space than American media.
The European Rapid Reaction force will have to become a powerful reality - not because of misplaced continental ambitions, or somehow to spite Nato, but to fill a dangerous void.
The strategic rationale for swift-moving expeditionary forces, be they Army or Marines, airborne infantry or special operations, is self-evident given the likelihood of counterterrorism, rapid reaction, disaster response, or stability or security force assistance missions.
The Marine Corps is a quick reaction force and are experts at conducting amphibious operations, which are considered the most challenging of all military engagements to pull off.
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