Clinton: International troops needed for Mideast peace

NEW YORK - Former President Bill Clinton said a coalition of American-backed international troops would be necessary to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Clinton told about 2,000 Hunter College students in New York City that the world's greatest challenge is working toward an agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians. He said that will require a coalition of American, Russian and European troops.

"I do believe it will have to be, if not imposed, at least strongly pushed," he said. "I believe it will require international forces ... and I think we ought to show up and do it."

Clinton, who was intimately involved in the Mideast peace process during his presidency, failed to cajole the Israelis and Palestinians into reaching an agreement at the Camp David summit in July 2000.