Over the next 25 years, the mission's main task was one of
observation. A few years ago, however, Syrians, who left the
region because of the war, have begun to repopulate it; the
population on the Golan rose from 3 000 to 4 000 people to
nearly 60 000. This led to a change in the philosophy of the
mission; there was a shift from static observation, to a more
dynamic, mobile presence. This change in UNDOF's role has had
a positive effect on both the Syrian army, as well as the
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). “The Syrians were quite pleased
that UNDOF took up patrolling, while the IDF saw that UNDOF
was able to adapt to new situations and capable of performing
its mission,” said Col Hidiroglou.
The return of Syrians to the Golan and UNDOF's subsequent
change in philosophy relate to the changing situation in the
Middle East. Col Hidiroglou and Col Cousineau arrived in the
Golan Heights at the tail-end of the war in Iraq and a time
when the Golan was somewhat forgotten. |
They felt the need to demonstrate that the Golan Heights
mattered and despite their lack of visibility at home, the CF
members serving in the Golan Heights are the glue that keeps
the mission together; the Canadians are the only
English-speaking, professional armed forces on the mission,
they are credible and respected by both the Israelis and the
Syrians, and they work well with the other contingents and UN
civilians on the mission. Canada’s influence in UNDOF, says
Colonel Cousineau, “is far superior to the size of its
contingent. If any opportunities for progress in restoring
peace between Israel and its neighbours presented themselves
and Canada wanted to play a part, our presence in the Golan
Heights would go a long way in providing Canada with a seat at
the table.”
Jennifer Erickson is a Carleton University graduate student
who recently completed a work-term at the Department of
National Defence.
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11233 Col. Jocelyn Cousineau
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