February 12, 2005

HEY, KOFI, GET THE DOOR:

How to Move Iraq Forward (Kofi A. Annan, February 12, 2005, Washington Post)

The success of the Jan. 30 elections in Iraq has created an exciting moment of opportunity. It matters greatly that Iraq's transition is a success. I am determined to make certain that the United Nations will play its full part in helping the Iraqi people achieve that end.

But it also matters that the international community, which has been angrily divided over Iraq, now recognizes that we all share a common agenda: to move Iraq from the starting point -- its successfully completed elections -- to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future.

Even the scars left by past differences can be turned into opportunities. Precisely because the United Nations did not agree on some earlier actions in Iraq, it now has much-needed credibility with and access to Iraqi groups that must agree to join in the new political process if peace is to prevail. Now is the time for us to draw on that capital.

I want to capture this moment, and I encourage the international community to come together around Iraq through the United Nations.


The U.N. was never going to have any other choice but to come in as we exit. It's a win/win for the U.S. as Mr. Bush can appear accomodating while high-tailing it.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 12, 2005 6:15 AM
Comments

I'm not a fan of the UN, but this sounds like a good idea. All we need to do is have a resolution that has nothing to do with supporting the war, but nonetheless binds nations to involvement in large-scale training and security endeavors. People can still complain about the war, but as for future action, the UN has blessed it and they must act....well, that might be too much wishfull thinking.

Posted by: RC at February 12, 2005 12:19 PM

We move out and the UN moves in? Prostitution and child pornography could become a leading growth industry. Then again, if they treat Iraqis like they treat those in the Congo, there could be a lot of headless or blown up UN bodies lying around.

Posted by: Pat H at February 12, 2005 4:23 PM

i liked kofi better when he was playing morris day's sidekick in "Purple Rain"...

Posted by: cjm at February 12, 2005 6:28 PM

Kofi is talking about capital and credibility?

He really is from another planet. The only capital he understands is what he puts in his pocket.

The US should nominate the hotel manager (Paul something) from Rwanda to be the next Secretary-General.

Posted by: jim hamlen at February 13, 2005 9:13 AM
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