What action did the U.S. take in response to ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo?

The response of the U.S. to ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and Kosovo was primarily through a NATO bombing campaign. This military action was initiated to stop the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis resulting from the ethnic conflicts in the region, where significant atrocities were reported. The NATO intervention marked a shift in the international approach to such conflicts, moving towards using military force to prevent human rights violations when diplomacy failed.

By employing air strikes, the U.S. and NATO allies aimed to neutralize the military capabilities of those responsible for the ethnic cleansing and to protect vulnerable populations. This action was deemed necessary to restore peace and stability in the Balkans, demonstrating the international community's commitment to preventing genocide and ethnic violence.

Humanitarian aid, while essential, is a response that focuses on alleviating suffering rather than directly stopping violence. Economic sanctions are typically used to pressure governments but may not provide immediate relief or stop conflict. Withdrawing military personnel from Europe would not address the crisis and would be counterproductive in the context of a military intervention designed to uphold peace and security in the region during such a critical time.