We’ll be finding out soon whether there is any steam left in the UN. Now that we’re gearing up to provide humanitarian aid to Iraq, the UN is looking to get in on the act. As I understand it the UK government believes that getting a UN resolution, and hence getting them involved is also the right course of action. According to the news report I watched last night the UK’s Attorney General said that the previous UN resolutions had given the US/UK the right to attack Iraq, however it didn’t give any legal rights to regime changes or similar rebuilding work.

While it was clear that the UN hampered the current war on Iraq, I think in general it’s useful to have. It can serve to stop wars and or reduce divisions between countries, as well as bringing together the world on many issues. I think it’s that last point that makes it worthwhile. If a UN resolution is agreed, then you can be pretty sure that it has most of the worlds backing. Now while war and such like seem to polarise issues, there are many other things that need world backing and decisions making (curbing pollution, aid to third world countries etc.)

So while it’s not clear yet how well the UN will come out of this, I hope it manages to hold itself together in a useful form.

Posted by Phil on March 27, 2003 07:11 AM | Categories: Thoughts