While it is admirable that Malaysia is volunteering to put troops in Lebanon as part of the UN peacekeeping force (Unifil), it is important for us to acknowledge the dangers our boys will face in this volatile region.

The previous Unifil mission there was a failure. The Unifil troops came under attack from both sides, Hezbollah and Israel (through its Christian militia allies in Lebanon) as there was not enough buy-in for the peace process from either side.

Lebanon is not East Timor or Bosnia. Our success in East Timor was almost guaranteed by the military superiority of the peacekeepers (ie Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, etc) vis-a-vis the warring factions. Likewise, the participation of Nato in Bosnia guaranteed success almost from the outset due to the overwhelming military resources of the Nato nations vis-a-vis Serbia.

We would do well to reflect on the military technology and might of Israel and the tenacity of Hezbollah in the present conflict. Neither side will hesitate to shoot at or kidnap UN peacekeepers if the ceasefire resolution is not seen to be working to their advantage.

Our boys will be part of a risky buffer that may be caught in the crossfire between these sworn enemies. It is telling that the US and the UK have yet to commit any peacekeeping troops.

Therefore, expect Unifil peacekeeper casualties if the ceasefire breaks down.