Shouldn't the U.N. have at least tried to pass some sort of resolution?

[Bidin~Time]

Shouldn't the member countries who were against the U.S. and Britian moving on Iraq have at least attempted some sort of resolution condemning the action? Or was it all diplomatic rhetoric? Where's their resolve that this was an unnecessary action? Or have I missed seeing the coverage of such an event?
Is this just another indication of the U.N.'s ineffectiveness?

 

[Guest]

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

How can they pass a resolution against a course of action they already resolved to pursue in past resolutions?

 

[Bidin~Time]

How can they pass a resolution against a course of action they already resolved to pursue in past resolutions?

As I have said before, I have precious few answers, but many many questions.

 

[JazzManJim]

How can they pass a resolution against a course of action they already resolved to pursue in past resolutions?

I supppose they could resolve that even though Res 1441 mentioned "serious consequences" the Res did not give an individual nation or group of nations the ability to decide the specific consequences or to act without Security Council approval.

That way, they could condemn the Coalition actions without casting serious aspertions on 1441 (more than they have already, at least).

 

[Bidin~Time]

I supppose they could resolve that even though Res 1441 mentioned "serious consequences" the Res did not give an individual nation or group of nations the ability to decide the specific consequences or to act without Security Council approval.

That way, they could condemn the Coalition actions without casting serious aspertions on 1441 (more than they have already, at least).

Thank you Jim you were more to the point. And I have heard over and over that we took this course of action without U.N. approval....so if that is the case why not condemn the action?

 

[Sandia]

Shouldn't the member countries who were against the U.S. and Britian moving on Iraq have at least attempted some sort of resolution condemning the action? Or was it all diplomatic rhetoric? Where's their resolve that this was an unnecessary action? Or have I missed seeing the coverage of such an event?
Is this just another indication of the U.N.'s ineffectiveness?

It'd be pointless. The US would veto any such resolution. Besides, the UN doesn't have the resourses to enforce any resolution against the US.

The original idea was the US and the other permanent members would prevent war - it's not set up to prevent aggression by the Security Council members themselves.

 

[JazzManJim]

Thank you Jim you were more to the point. And I have heard over and over that we took this course of action without U.N. approval....so if that is the case why not condemn the action?

Because it forces them to, on paper, back a course of action that is logically indefensible.

See, the wiggle room in this is the "serious consequences" portion of Res 1441. Without a resolution to outline specific action, or condemning the action taking place now, each side has room to posture not only among themselves but with their public. Once it gets down on paper posturing becomes much less possible because the language ends up (in either a condemnation or a use of force authorization) being far more specific than even 1441 was.

 

[Bidin~Time]

Because it forces them to, on paper, back a course of action that is logically indefensible.

See, the wiggle room in this is the "serious consequences" portion of Res 1441. Without a resolution to outline specific action, or condemning the action taking place now, each side has room to posture not only among themselves but with their public. Once it gets down on paper posturing becomes much less possible because the language ends up (in either a condemnation or a use of force authorization) being far more specific than even 1441 was.

Ah, ok I can see that. Thank you Jim.

 

[JazzManJim]

Ah, ok I can see that. Thank you Jim.

De nada.

I've become a real geopolitical geek in the last six months. It's made me positively boring.

 

[Bidin~Time]

De nada.

I've become a real geopolitical geek in the last six months. It's made me positively boring.

I find this last statement hard to believe.

 

[JazzManJim]

I find this last statement hard to believe.

I tell you, beauty, I like the subject, but it really does just leech the playfulness right out of me.

 

[Bidin~Time]

I tell you, beauty, I like the subject, but it really does just leech the playfulness right out of me.

It has that effect on me also, but when I have a question I'm bound by pure old ignorant stubborness to have it answered one way or another.

 

[JazzManJim]

It has that effect on me also, but when I have a question I'm bound by pure old ignorant stubborness to have it answered one way or another.

I like your stubbornness. It's a very endearing attribute. And if I can find the info to help, I'll be around to answer.