Deliver Us from Evil

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Reporting from global war zones, journalist Shawcross highlights the perilous world and the courageous individuals, both ordinary and extraordinary, who risk their lives for peace. Following the Cold War, a decade marked by regional conflicts, ethnic wars, and humanitarian crises emerged, prompting calls for American leadership in global peacekeeping. The international community, often associated with the UN but influenced by wealthier nations, has had mixed success. In Africa, indifference is criticized, while in Cambodia, election results are ignored. Saddam Hussein defies the UN, and in Bosnia and Kosovo, Western intervention comes only after significant violence. Shawcross has engaged with policymakers, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, and traveled with peacekeepers and aid workers to witness the challenges they face. His report reveals the sacrifices made in the pursuit of peace and the complexities of intervention. Critics argue that some interventions may exacerbate conflicts. Shawcross contends that while recent efforts in places like Kosovo and East Timor offer hope, they also raise concerns. The past decade teaches that not every injustice can be addressed, and effective intervention requires clear objectives, popular support, and sustained commitment. As he notes, calling on human institutions for deliverance is a daunting expectation, akin to asking for miracles.