Posted 9:45 AM by Robert

The United Nations Drifts Further Out To Sea II

The New York Times brings good news for the world and bad news for the silly UN and French and German governments:

The United States is preparing to establish immediate sole control of postwar Iraq, initially without recourse to the United Nations, with a civilian administration under the direct command of the military, according to senior administration officials.

And the United States should run Iraq solo even if Jacques Chirac again holds his breath until he's blue in the face.

UPDATE: Mr. Blair, who will also meet with Mr. Annan, said London and Washington agreed that it was vital that the United Nations play a pivotal role in Iraq after the war.

Mr. Blair's statement is completely consistent with the United States plans to run Iraq solo. It is vital that the UN play a pivotal role in post-war Iraq. It was also vital that the Security Council pass the so-called "Second Resolution" authorizing the Iraq liberation. The French and like-minded countries probably won't allow the UN to play a pivotal role in post-war Iraq unless their demands are met - which means they probably won't allow it. So this will probably be another case of the French, etc. blockading a vital UN action.

What else is new?

FURTHER UPDATE: Secretary of State Colin Powell urged France on Tuesday to recognize that the government in Iraq is finished and to join the United States in planning for a better life for the Iraqi people. .... On postwar Iraq, French President Jacques Chirac also has thrown up roadblocks, threatening to veto in the United Nations any attempt to "legitimatize the military intervention" and "give the belligerents the power to administer Iraq."

One can only hope he makes good on his veto treat.