UNSC resolution 1511 passes 15-0

[DAVOUT]

Originally posted by lord of the mark


(but who knows what they really wanted - what they asked for could have just been bluff, no?)

Considering only the immediate consequences, we can safely say that all of them (15-0, even Syria) just wanted to help President Bush to get the Congress approval on the 87 billions request.

[Q Classic]

lotm, you do realize that half the time in ungainly bodies like the un, it's only the language that matters? thus, if those countries are satisfied that the new resolution gives them enough wiggle room to do what they want, then they'll go for it?

note that we did want troops from germany and france, neither of which will be forthcoming. the current trickle of funding doesn't seem to be becoming a waterfall just yet.

the resolution looks to be just more paper. now, you can claim that it's some big political and diplomatic victory, but then you have to also admit that the un means something--which, although maybe not you in particular, is something that the rightists have denied.

i ask again. how is this a substantial victory in diplomacy?

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Q Cubed
lotm, you do realize that half the time in ungainly bodies like the un, it's only the language that matters? thus, if those countries are satisfied that the new resolution gives them enough wiggle room to do what they want, then they'll go for it?

note that we did want troops from germany and france, neither of which will be forthcoming. the current trickle of funding doesn't seem to be becoming a waterfall just yet.

the resolution looks to be just more paper. now, you can claim that it's some big political and diplomatic victory, but then you have to also admit that the un means something--which, although maybe not you in particular, is something that the rightists have denied.

i ask again. how is this a substantial victory in diplomacy?

I dont think french or german troops were ever likely to be forthcoming. The germans are tied up in Afghanistan, the French in africa. Frankly im not sure we'd be real keen to have french troops on the ground in Iraq in any case.

What does this achieve - makes it easier to get troops from India, Bangladesh, etc. Improves our bargaining position with Turkey. Provides political cover to Tony Blair. Provides political cover to Kozumi in Japan, who is sending $1.5 billion. May provide cover to other donors such as Korea. Probably helps with the "muslim street" outside Iraq. May help a bit with the "Iraqi Street" at least among the Sunni Arabs. And helps with the domestic situation in the US - as davout said, probably ensures passage of the $87 billion.

And yes, I think the UN does matter. Im not a UN hating right winger. That doesnt mean I think we need UN support for everything we do, or that we should treat it like a world govt. It represents some kind of consensus of opinion among major powers, and that is of some importance.

[rah]

If people are going to laugh at Bush when he can't get a resolution passed by the UN, it's only fair that they don't when he does.

[MikeH]

All politicians should be laughed at at all times.

[rah]

Originally posted by MikeH
All politicians should be laughed at at all times.

I stand corrected.

[Q Classic]

May provide cover to other donors such as Korea.

actually, korea's legislature has technically passed a resolution allowing their troops to be used in iraq. i think they're mostly combat engineers, but. only problem is, pres roh is kinda but not really linking the troop deployment to how well bush does in nkorea.

[lord of the mark]

Originally posted by Q Cubed

May provide cover to other donors such as Korea.

actually, korea's legislature has technically passed a resolution allowing their troops to be used in iraq. i think they're mostly combat engineers, but. only problem is, pres roh is kinda but not really linking the troop deployment to how well bush does in nkorea.

Not unreasonable - it would be kinda dumb to send Skor military personnel to the Mideast when theres a significant chance of war on the peninsula. I was thinking more in terms of financial help, actually.