SI
SI
discoversearch

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor.  We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community.  If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.
Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  
To: Hawkmoon who wrote (98870)5/23/2003 12:17:38 AM
From: Nadine Carroll  Read Replies (1) of 281500
 
Steven den Beste has a nice commentary on the UN resolution passed today. Excerpt:

The French ambassador today boasted about the fact that the UNSC passed this resolution unanimously. What he was glossing over was the fact that it was unanimous because the French capitulated, as did the Russians. They got virtually none of what they had asked for in the way of large changes. Both sides compromised, but they did most of the compromising.

The process of forming a new Iraqi government will not be under UN control. The UN will not progressively take over. The oil-for-food program will not go on indefinitely, and the Russians and the French are going to bite it financially as a result. Their contracts and deals made with Saddam are not protected. (In fact, their sweetheart oil deals are explicitly illegitimate under the terms of the resolution.) Lifting of the sanctions will not be linked to new inspections. The UN will reconsider the issue in a year, but if it doesn't act the authorization continues in force.

...So... what the US got today was full authority to carry out reconstruction in Iraq, and to work on creating a new government there without being hassled by UN meddling or idiotic lawsuits, and France and Germany and Russia got to pretend that the UN still mattered and to avoid finding out just how badly they could be hurt financially if the US really got pissed off. The UN acted "unanimously" because it gave us what we wanted, and as a result the UN gets to pretend that it's part of the process...

Those who are ungenerous might say that the French have yet again demonstrated their understanding that the best way to end conflict is to surrender.
denbeste.nu
Report TOU ViolationShare This Post
 Public ReplyPrvt ReplyMark as Last ReadFilePrevious 10Next 10PreviousNext  

HomeMailHotSubjectMarksPeopleMarksKeepersSettings
Terms Of UseContact UsCopyright/IP PolicyPrivacy PolicyAbout UsFAQAdvertise on SI
© 2025 Knight Sac Media.  Data provided by Twelve Data, Alpha Vantage, and CityFALCON News