The Iraq/UN "Oil for Food" Scandal

They kicked Saddam out of Kuwait. Oh and they prevented a nuclear war. Ever hear about the cuban crisis? We went before the UN and proved that we were right in denying their ships passage into Cuba. And the world got behind us. See, that's how you handle diplomacy. Not by trumping up false charges.


And in both situations, what exactly did the UN do militarily to help us? Not much. Sure, some other countries contribute their forces but if memory serves the US provides the vast majority of the miliatry power to give the UN it's teeth. Without the US, the UN is nothing. Now don't get me wrong, I do appreciate any contributions that other countries make but I don't appreciate the fact that the UN doesn't do anything unless the US forces the issue. That, to me, says that the UN is useless.

 

We went before the UN and proved that we were right in denying their ships passage into Cuba.

Besides, in the case of Cuba, it was another example of of "better to ask forgiveness, than beg for permission."

The US was confronted with a threat from Cuba, but didn't take their evidence to the UN, and through international cooperation, come up with a solution.

The US blockcaded Cuba first (calling it a safety quarentine to get around the laws of war), then informed the Soviets that they would be blown back to the stone age if they continued..

Of course, there was some back room deals regarding Cuban missles vs Turkish missles, but it was very much a bilateral transaction.

 

Well, I think Kofi Annan should resign for the Oil for Food brouhaha soon as George Bush jr and Tony Blair resign for Iraq (or the federal deficit in Dubya's case and any blunder of the week for Tony)