The United Nations: Heading for History's Dustbin?

The Globe and Mail ^ | September 30, 2003 | Paul Koring and Anthony Jenkins

[KantianBurke]

No I understood your point. But my issue is that such a "rope a dope stratergery" is being done at all. We are war with terrorists. They need to be destroyed at the earliest practical moment. Playing footise with the UN is very costly in terms of time and treasure; two elements which shouldn't be sacrificed so uselessly what with Iran and North Korea having nukes now.

If this was pre-9-11 it would appropriate. But 9-11 happened and the urgency is much greater and the stakes higher.

[getget]

Globalization make the U.S more Dependant on the U.N !!

[ExpatCanuck]

But my issue is that such a "rope a dope stratergery" is being done at all.

What alternative would you propose? I happen to agree with you that we are at war, and I believe that it is a war for the very survival of our civilization. While I agree that we need to be ruthless and merciless in destroying our enemies, we have to do so in a very complicated world.

For example, nuking Mecca would be a bad idea. On the other hand, systematically eliminating anti-American Mullahs and Clerics (accidents can happen to anyone) wherever they may be would be a good thing (starting with the ones right here at home where they feel the safest). First of all there would be fewer and fewer of them willing to spout their vitriole to recruit mainstream Muslims, and secondly it would drive the radicall elements underground together into a more close knit, and consequently nicer target.

In any case these are just some thoughts. I really do believe that there is much more going on behind the scenes than we hear about and that we are making progress.

[KantianBurke]

Excellent point. There is probably quite alot that's going on behind the scenes that we're not aware of. As for what I would propose? Only a fulfillment of what Bush had advocated. "No distinction between terrorists and the countries that harbor them." "We won't wait while threats gather." Take down each and every terrorist org that is or has the ability to become a threat to this nation. Don't delay in order to uphold "international law." And confront the remaining Axis of Evil states.

One area that Bush should be castigated on though is his refusal to enlarge our armed forces. Instead of trumpeting the idiotic and useless freedom corps and "love your neighbor" poll tested rhetoric, he should have sent out a call for enlistment. He did not and thus we're in need of allied troops thus circumventing his own policy of unilateralism.

[lakey]

Even non-political people have come to dislike the U.N.

President Bush may be allowing Annan to "cut his own throat," till he hears a loud cry for the U.S. to get out of the U.N.

I think, war or no war, his popularity would soar!