The role of the UN in the rebuilding of Iraq

The predominant opinion in the Bush administration is that the UN should play virtually no role in the rebuilding of Iraq, despite the recommendations of Tony Blair, who has the backing of Australia. This argument will emerge after the war, Reuters (4/7/03) says: "Australia backs UN post-war role: The Australian foreign minister added his voice to European demands that the UN play a key role in post-war Iraq and said he was encouraged by the attitude of the Bush administration. But Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, who spoke to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan after a visit to Washington, was vague on exactly what tasks the UN should assume, although he made clear it should be political. Many US officials agree the world body should assume a leading role in humanitarian assistance as well as human rights monitoring. But the open question is whether the UN should organize any transitional Iraqi administration government, similar to what it did in Afghanistan". RH The reference to the attitude of the Bush administration is just diplomatic talk.

Ronald Hilton - 4/7/03