(90 points) in 2011 the united nations security council had peacekeeping forces stationed in 16 areas on 4 continents. the goal of a u. n. peacekeeping operation is to a) countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace. b) prevent governments from being violently overthrown. c) insure that prisoners of war are treated fairly. d) promote democracy around the world.

Correct  A) Help countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace.

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to UN Peacekeeping Forces in 1988.  In awarding the Prize, the Nobel Foundation described the mission of UN Peacekeeping Forces in this way:  

The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are employed by the World Organization to maintain or re-establish peace in an area of armed conflict. The UN may engage in conflicts between states as well as in struggles within states. The UN acts as an impartial third party in order to prepare the ground for a settlement of the issues that have provoked armed conflict. If it proves impossible to achieve a peaceful settlement, the presence of UN forces may contribute to reducing the level of conflict.

a drastic rise in oil prices ended decades of postwar.