U.N.'s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends after 35 years following U.S.-Russia standoff Nov 01, 2026 · Akram Oubachir · washingtontimes.com read more » The U.N.'s long-running peacekeeping mission for the disputed Western Sahara ceased operations Sunday after 35 years, as a result of a U.S.-Russia standoff at U.N. headquarters over the territory's future. Read more »