Are World Councils Useless?

[Test Subject]

The USA, who actively partakes in the forming and running of world councils, NEVER adheres to them when rulings don't go in their favour. The problem is that there is no one to enforce rulings of world councils on the USA...pretty much the USA is the one who enforces such rulings on others countries. Pretty much these world councils are used by the USA to enforce their politics on other counties, and have themselves appear righteous when doing so, because it was voted on by a multi-national council.

Take for example the United Nations Security Council. Perhaps the most influential of such world councils. This council's purpose is to ensure peace and security among the countries of the world. It is made up of 15 countries, 5 are permanent members and 10 are temporary or elected members. The 5 permanent members are China, France, Russia, Britian, and the USA. This council has the ultimate power to decide what measures are to be taken in situations involving "threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, or acts of aggression". A good example: the American war on Iraq. The war was technically because of Iraq allegedly harbouring weapons of mass destruction. The UN Security Council's purpose is to decide what measures are to be taken to deal with this allegation, as I have stated before. The USA's proposed course of action was an invasion, and it was ruled against through a vote by the 15 countries that comprised the United Nations at the time. Well, as I said before, the USA shows no regard for rulings made by world councils when they go against the USA. Well here we are, and the war on Iraq continues, and it never was approved by the UN. Looks like voting on the war was a waste of the other 14 countries' time. The UN Security General says of the war: "(the war on Iraq is) not in conformity with the UN charter. From our point of view, from the charter point of view, it was illegal."

And this isn't an isolated incident. We only have to rewind 20 years to see the last such example of the USA doing what they want regardless of what the United Nations has to say. The primary judicial organ of the United Nations is called the International Court of Justice. Perhaps the war on Iraq would have landed the USA smack-dab in the middle of another trial with the International Court of Justice, if they didn't already make it blatantly obvious in 1986 that decisions in this court are nothing for them to concern themselves with. The Republic of Nicaragua took the USA to this court because of the USA supporting Contra guerrillas in their war against the Nicaraguan government and by mining Nicaragua's harbors. Well I'm not going to get involved in explaining this story (click here for the story) but needless to say, the court ruled in Nicaragua's favor. Did the USA adhere to the decision of the court? NO! What eventually happened is that the court attempted to fine the USA. A fine that to this day remains unpaid.

So it seems to me that world councils such as the United Nations are useless. Given the history of their inability to enforce rulings on countries of great power, they should ultimately disband the council and not bother. I wonder...is the USA the world's greatest criminal?

[BrucePrime]

So it seems to me that world councils such as the United Nations are useless. Given the history of their inability to enforce rulings on countries of great power, they should ultimately disband the council and not bother. I wonder...is the USA the world's greatest criminal?

Perhaps before you start wondering about the criminality of the USA, you would be wise to look at which UN rulings that your own Canada has violated or ignored. Then start looking at the ones other countries violate.

The truth is, the UN is not a government. Every nation that is a member of the UN is a sovereign state. They make a choice to be a member, and they make a choice to follow its rulings.

[Bill Hill]

Yeah you can hardly say the UN has higher morals than the US..

[ships-cat]

Hah - I suspect that all of the permanant members have abused their power within the UN at some point.

I don't think the UN is entirely useless. If nothing else, it provides a building where all the diplomats are permanantly present and can meet and chat at very short notice.

In a crisis - or the lead up to a crisis - this is a valuable contribution in its own right.

Meow Purr.

[Test Subject]

Hah - I suspect that all of the permanant members have abused their power within the UN at some point.

Examples? I gave 2 good examples about the USA, anyone care to counter with an example from any other country?

I don't think the UN is entirely useless. If nothing else, it provides a building where all the diplomats are permanantly present and can meet and chat at very short notice.

Well said, I'd say that does prove its usefulness. It's effectiveness as far as decision-making is concerned, however, remains in question.

[Snowball]

Examples? I gave 2 good examples about the USA, anyone care to counter with an example from any other country?

Israel. I won't even bother linking you it's so prolific. PM if you really can't find an example.

[Guardsman Bass]

To be honest, the UN is sitting on a self-contradictory base of promoting universal rights and the like while trying to respect the sovereignty of nations. Add in the power imbalance between nations, and it does not add up to any kind of real world government, or even world governance period.

[Aztec Warrior]

The UN is nothing more than another great dabating society. They passed....jeeze what something like 20 resolutions agaisn't Saddam's Iraq, and where did any of those go? And you mentioned nothing about the complete corruption inside the UN, from the sex scandal to the oil for food scandal. The UN is joke, except for the fact that S-Cat mentioned...........it does get the various government's together.

I thought your piece was well written, except for the underlying hate America implications. If, however you did not write that, make sure you add the sources or it is considered plagiarism.

Edited July 14, 2007 by Aztec Warrior

[Bella-Angelique]

Maybe this is all really about that oil field in international waters that Canada is fretting about.

[Test Subject]

Israel. I won't even bother linking you it's so prolific. PM if you really can't find an example.

I was really hoping for an example of one of the permanent members of the UN, but something is better than nothing. Israel, I know, has many many problems. Having said that, when you look at all of Israel's problems, look at the American involvement. So Israel as an example doesn't help a pro-American cause here.

I thought your piece was well written, except for the underlying hate America implications. If, however you did not write that, make sure you add the sources or it is considered plagiarism.

That piece is 100% Test Subject written, thanks for the compliment on it, I try to write all my posts well, I enjoy this board and I hope other serious posters here take my posts seriously and answer me with good points to take on good conversation. I try not write with any kind of bias, but we all know that's impossible. Any American hate you read in my OP wasn't totally intentional. I was just shocked at the degree to which the USA has acted against UN Security Council rulings. I was trying to shock the readers of my post the way it shocked me. "Shocking" is a pretty good description for it all, no?

[Lord Umbarger]

I gave 2 good examples about the USA, anyone care to counter with an example from any other country?

1). The U.N. voted to enact 17 resolutions against Iraq. Iraq chose to ignore every single one of them.

2). China is in constant violation of human rights, no muslim nation that I know of is a signatory to the International Declaration of Human Rights.

3). The Soviet Union refused to pull out of Afganistan in the early 1980's. They were a member at the time.

4). North Korea has been trying to build nuclear weapons in violation of U.N. rules.

5). Every time an Arab nation sends money, weapons or terrorists into Israel to support Hamas, the former PLO, etc., they are violating the U.N. mandate that sovergn nations respect the terratories of other nations.

6). All those nations that still use dumb landmines are in violation of U.N. mandates. (The U.S. is switching to a type of landmine that becomes inert after a set period of time. It is doubtful that many other nations will because of the expence).

7). Anybody remember the U.N. Police Action in Korea where the Chinese army invaded South Korea and actively fought agaisnt U.N. mandate forces?

8). Just last year we saw muslim forces firing rockets from the inside the shadow of a U.N. watch post on the border of Lebanon.

Edited July 16, 2007 by Lord Umbarger

[ships-cat]

Israel. I won't even bother linking you it's so prolific. PM if you really can't find an example.

Israel isn't a permanant member.

I've just realised... the permanant members are unlikely to have resolutions set against them, as they can simply veto any such resolution.

Just for interest, this is how often the permanant members used their vetoes:

Soviet Union - 120 times

USA - 76 times

Britain - 32 times

France - 18 times

China - 5 times.

Meow Purr.

Edited July 16, 2007 by ships-cat

[Lord Umbarger]

WOW! The Soviets, (left wing socialists by design), vetoed almost twice as many things as the U.S.!?! How can that be? The Dems keep telling us how wonderful they were!

I must now go mop the sarcasm of of the keyboard.

Edited July 16, 2007 by Lord Umbarger

[Bob26003]

Nobody listens to the UN, including us. So if you Righties want the US to be an criminal aggressor Imperialist nation, that is fine. But at least admit that we do not follow the morals we preach.

and Israel.

Israel = Blatent Human Rights violaters.

Have a look!!!!!!!!

http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa03.html

Introduction

In the United Nations, five countries (called the Permanent Members of the Security Council) can veto a United Nations Security Council resolution. These five are the USA, the UK, France, Russia (USSR before 1990), and China (Taiwan before 1971).

This is a list of these resolutions vetoed by the USA as well as resolutions in the General Assembly of the United Nations where the USA vote is against the majority of the world. The USA used its veto over 70 times during the 20th century. On the majority of occasions, the USA vetoed resolutions that were favoured by the majority of the world's nations.

Very little of the USA's voting patterns is reported in the Western media. When other countries consider voting against a resolution put forward by the USA, they are usually demonised in the Western media and the whole basis of the United Nations called into question.

The United Nations and its voting system was set up at the end of World War II by the victorious nations from that conflict. There is, perhaps, an argument to modify the United Nations voting system and make it more representitive of the modern world.

Even with its faults, the United Nations is not a few people in an office - it is the world community. It is the rest of the world - the 94% of the world's population that is not from the USA. By damning and ignoring the United Nations, the USA is snubbing the majority of the world's population. This will not make the USA more popular around the world.

As one commentator on USA baseball in the UK noted: "Only the USA could have a World Series and not invite the rest of the world". This is the political equivalent.

==============

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2000.htm

30 Years Of U.S. UN Vetoes.

How the U.S. has Voted // Vetoed- See any bias - See any pattern ?

1972-2002 Vetoes from the USA

---

Year -----Resolution Vetoed by the USA

1972 Condemns Israel for killing hundreds of people in Syria and Lebanon in air raids.

1973 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians and calls on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.

1976 Condemns Israel for attacking Lebanese civilians.

1976 Condemns Israel for building settlements in the occupied territories.

1976 Calls for self determination for the Palestinians.

1976 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians.

1978 Urges the permanent members (USA, USSR, UK, France, China) to insure United Nations decisions on the maintenance of international peace and security.

1978 Criticises the living conditions of the Palestinians.

1978 Condemns the Israeli human rights record in occupied territories.

1978 Calls for developed countries to increase the quantity and quality of development assistance to underdeveloped countries.

1979 Calls for an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with the apartheid South Africa.

1979 Strengthens the arms embargo against South Africa.

1979 Offers assistance to all the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movement.

1979 Concerns negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race.

1979 Calls for the return of all inhabitants expelled by Israel.

1979 Demands that Israel desist from human rights violations.

1979 Requests a report on the living conditions of Palestinians in occupied Arab countries.

1979 Offers assistance to the Palestinian people.

1979 Discusses sovereignty over national resources in occupied Arab territories.

1979 Calls for protection of developing counties' exports.

1979 Calls for alternative approaches within the United Nations system for improving the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

1979 Opposes support for intervention in the internal or external affairs of states.

1979 For a United Nations Conference on Women.

1979 To include Palestinian women in the United Nations Conference on Women.

1979 Safeguards rights of developing countries in multinational trade negotiations.

1980 Requests Israel to return displaced persons.

1980 Condemns Israeli policy regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

1980 Condemns Israeli human rights practices in occupied territories. 3 resolutions.

1980 Afirms the right of self determination for the Palestinians.

1980 Offers assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement.

1980 Attempts to establish a New International Economic Order to promote the growth of underdeveloped countries and international economic co-operation.

1980 Endorses the Program of Action for Second Half of United Nations Decade for Women.

1980 Declaration of non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states.

1980 Emphasises that the development of nations and individuals is a human right.

1980 Calls for the cessation of all nuclear test explosions.

1980 Calls for the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

1981 Promotes co-operative movements in developing countries.

1981 Affirms the right of every state to choose its economic and social system in accord with the will of its people, without outside interference in whatever form it takes.

1981 Condemns activities of foreign economic interests in colonial territories.

1981 Calls for the cessation of all test explosions of nuclear weapons.

1981 Calls for action in support of measures to prevent nuclear war, curb the arms race and promote disarmament.

1981 Urges negotiations on prohibition of chemical and biological weapons.

1981 Declares that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development, etc are human rights.

1981 Condemns South Africa for attacks on neighbouring states, condemns apartheid and attempts to strengthen sanctions. 7 resolutions.

1981 Condemns an attempted coup by South Africa on the Seychelles.

1981 Condemns Israel's treatment of the Palestinians, human rights policies, and the bombing of Iraq. 18 resolutions.

1982 Condemns the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. 6 resolutions (1982 to 1983).

1982 Condemns the shooting of 11 Muslims at a shrine in Jerusalem by an Israeli soldier.

1982 Calls on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights occupied in 1967.

1982 Condemns apartheid and calls for the cessation of economic aid to South Africa. 4 resolutions.

1982 Calls for the setting up of a World Charter for the protection of the ecology.

1982 Sets up a United Nations conference on succession of states in respect to state property, archives and debts.

1982 Nuclear test bans and negotiations and nuclear free outer space. 3 resolutions.

1982 Supports a new world information and communications order.

1982 Prohibition of chemical and bacteriological weapons.

1982 Development of international law.

1982 Protects against products harmful to health and the environment .

1982 Declares that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development are human rights.

1982 Protects against products harmful to health and the environment.

1982 Development of the energy resources of developing countries.

1983 Resolutions about apartheid, nuclear arms, economics, and international law. 15 resolutions.

1984 Condemns support of South Africa in its Namibian and other policies.

1984 International action to eliminate apartheid.

1984 Condemns Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon.

1984 Resolutions about apartheid, nuclear arms, economics, and international law. 18 resolutions.

1985 Condemns Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon.

1985 Condemns Israel for using excessive force in the occupied territories.

1985 Resolutions about cooperation, human rights, trade and development. 3 resolutions.

1985 Measures to be taken against Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities .

1986 Calls on all governments (including the USA) to observe international law.

1986 Imposes economic and military sanctions against South Africa.

1986 Condemns Israel for its actions against Lebanese civilians.

1986 Calls on Israel to respect Muslim holy places.

1986 Condemns Israel for sky-jacking a Libyan airliner.

1986 Resolutions about cooperation, security, human rights, trade, media bias, the environment and development.

8 resolutions.

1987 Calls on Israel to abide by the Geneva Conventions in its treatment of the Palestinians.

1987 Calls on Israel to stop deporting Palestinians.

1987 Condemns Israel for its actions in Lebanon. 2 resolutions.

1987 Calls on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

1987 Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States.

1987 Calls for compliance in the International Court of Justice concerning military and paramilitary activities against Nicaragua and a call to end the trade embargo against Nicaragua. 2 resolutions.

1987 Measures to prevent international terrorism, study the underlying political and economic causes of terrorism, convene a conference to define terrorism and to differentiate it from the struggle of people from national liberation.

1987 Resolutions concerning journalism, international debt and trade. 3 resolutions.

1987 Opposition to the build up of weapons in space.

1987 Opposition to the development of new weapons of mass destruction.

1987 Opposition to nuclear testing. 2 resolutions.

1987 Proposal to set up South Atlantic "Zone of Peace".

1988 Condemns Israeli practices against Palestinians in the occupied territories. 5 resolutions (1988 and 1989).

1989 Condemns USA invasion of Panama.

1989 Condemns USA troops for ransacking the residence of the Nicaraguan ambassador in Panama.

1989 Condemns USA support for the Contra army in Nicaragua.

1989 Condemns illegal USA embargo of Nicaragua.

1989 Opposing the acquisition of territory by force.

1989 Calling for a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict based on earlier UN resoltions.

1990 To send three UN Security Council observers to the occupied territories.

1995 Afirms that land in East Jerusalem annexed by Israel is occupied territory.

1997 Calls on Israel to cease building settlements in East Jerusalem and other occupied territories. 2 resolutions.

1999 Calls on the USA to end its trade embargo on Cuba. 8 resolutions (1992 to 1999).

2001 To send unarmed monitors to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

2001 To set up the International Criminal Court.

2002 To renew the peace keeping mission in Bosnia.

Edited July 16, 2007 by Bob26003

[__Kratos__]

Yeah.... The US of A shouldn't be like any other country in the world to look out for it's own interests first.

[Lord Umbarger]

We are not the only one that has ever used our veto power. Why shouldn't we use it when doing so is in our, or our allies, best interests? Isn't that what the veto power is for?

Personally, I do think that the U.N. is pretty useless. I can't think of a single war that it has ever prevented. On the ohter hand, I guess it's probably good idea to keep it around though. For the time being, it doesn't hurt and who knows, one day, it might actually come in handy.

[Dusty Digital]

We are not the only one that has ever used our veto power. Why shouldn't we use it when doing so is in our, or our allies, best interests? Isn't that what the veto power is for?

Personally, I do think that the U.N. is pretty useless. I can't think of a single war that it has ever prevented. On the ohter hand, I guess it's probably good idea to keep it around though. For the time being, it doesn't hurt and who knows, one day, it might actually come in handy.

In a way you're right about the veto power. A large portion of the U.S. vetoes have involved the Israel and Palestine situation. On the other hand a quantity of vetoes have been used by the U.S. to stop statements that condemn apartheid in South Africa, fearing economic sanctions would make South Africa a base for Marxists. Among others, the U.S has vetoed a statement that: "Affirms the right of every state to choose its economic and social system in accord with the will of its people, without outside interference in whatever form it takes." There is a reason behind every one of these vetoes, but it makes me wonder at the determination the U.S. has shown in driving it's own interests at the expense of others.Source. Granted, my source for these vetoes is a bit suspicious, but the list is a fascinating read regardless.

As for the wars the U.N. has prevented, you may very well be right. I can't think of a single one either. On the other hand that's the purpose of the U.N., to keep diplomatic conflicts on a diplomatic level. You might also think the U.N. has prevented hundreds of wars by providing a platform for international discourse. The reason we can't think of these wars is because they never happened.

[Moon Monkey]

Nobody listens to the UN, including us. So if you Righties want the US to be an criminal aggressor Imperialist nation, that is fine. But at least admit that we do not follow the morals we preach.

and Israel.

Israel = Blatent Human Rights violaters.

Have a look!!!!!!!!

http://www.krysstal.com/democracy_whyusa03.html

Introduction

In the United Nations, five countries (called the Permanent Members of the Security Council) can veto a United Nations Security Council resolution. These five are the USA, the UK, France, Russia (USSR before 1990), and China (Taiwan before 1971).

This is a list of these resolutions vetoed by the USA as well as resolutions in the General Assembly of the United Nations where the USA vote is against the majority of the world. The USA used its veto over 70 times during the 20th century. On the majority of occasions, the USA vetoed resolutions that were favoured by the majority of the world's nations.

Very little of the USA's voting patterns is reported in the Western media. When other countries consider voting against a resolution put forward by the USA, they are usually demonised in the Western media and the whole basis of the United Nations called into question.

The United Nations and its voting system was set up at the end of World War II by the victorious nations from that conflict. There is, perhaps, an argument to modify the United Nations voting system and make it more representitive of the modern world.

Even with its faults, the United Nations is not a few people in an office - it is the world community. It is the rest of the world - the 94% of the world's population that is not from the USA. By damning and ignoring the United Nations, the USA is snubbing the majority of the world's population. This will not make the USA more popular around the world.

As one commentator on USA baseball in the UK noted: "Only the USA could have a World Series and not invite the rest of the world". This is the political equivalent.

==============

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2000.htm

30 Years Of U.S. UN Vetoes.

How the U.S. has Voted // Vetoed- See any bias - See any pattern ?

1972-2002 Vetoes from the USA

---

Year -----Resolution Vetoed by the USA

1972 Condemns Israel for killing hundreds of people in Syria and Lebanon in air raids.

1973 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians and calls on Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories.

1976 Condemns Israel for attacking Lebanese civilians.

1976 Condemns Israel for building settlements in the occupied territories.

1976 Calls for self determination for the Palestinians.

1976 Afirms the rights of the Palestinians.

1978 Urges the permanent members (USA, USSR, UK, France, China) to insure United Nations decisions on the maintenance of international peace and security.

1978 Criticises the living conditions of the Palestinians.

1978 Condemns the Israeli human rights record in occupied territories.

1978 Calls for developed countries to increase the quantity and quality of development assistance to underdeveloped countries.

1979 Calls for an end to all military and nuclear collaboration with the apartheid South Africa.

1979 Strengthens the arms embargo against South Africa.

1979 Offers assistance to all the oppressed people of South Africa and their liberation movement.

1979 Concerns negotiations on disarmament and cessation of the nuclear arms race.

1979 Calls for the return of all inhabitants expelled by Israel.

1979 Demands that Israel desist from human rights violations.

1979 Requests a report on the living conditions of Palestinians in occupied Arab countries.

1979 Offers assistance to the Palestinian people.

1979 Discusses sovereignty over national resources in occupied Arab territories.

1979 Calls for protection of developing counties' exports.

1979 Calls for alternative approaches within the United Nations system for improving the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

1979 Opposes support for intervention in the internal or external affairs of states.

1979 For a United Nations Conference on Women.

1979 To include Palestinian women in the United Nations Conference on Women.

1979 Safeguards rights of developing countries in multinational trade negotiations.

1980 Requests Israel to return displaced persons.

1980 Condemns Israeli policy regarding the living conditions of the Palestinian people.

1980 Condemns Israeli human rights practices in occupied territories. 3 resolutions.

1980 Afirms the right of self determination for the Palestinians.

1980 Offers assistance to the oppressed people of South Africa and their national liberation movement.

1980 Attempts to establish a New International Economic Order to promote the growth of underdeveloped countries and international economic co-operation.

1980 Endorses the Program of Action for Second Half of United Nations Decade for Women.

1980 Declaration of non-use of nuclear weapons against non-nuclear states.

1980 Emphasises that the development of nations and individuals is a human right.

1980 Calls for the cessation of all nuclear test explosions.

1980 Calls for the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

1981 Promotes co-operative movements in developing countries.

1981 Affirms the right of every state to choose its economic and social system in accord with the will of its people, without outside interference in whatever form it takes.

1981 Condemns activities of foreign economic interests in colonial territories.

1981 Calls for the cessation of all test explosions of nuclear weapons.

1981 Calls for action in support of measures to prevent nuclear war, curb the arms race and promote disarmament.

1981 Urges negotiations on prohibition of chemical and biological weapons.

1981 Declares that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development, etc are human rights.

1981 Condemns South Africa for attacks on neighbouring states, condemns apartheid and attempts to strengthen sanctions. 7 resolutions.

1981 Condemns an attempted coup by South Africa on the Seychelles.

1981 Condemns Israel's treatment of the Palestinians, human rights policies, and the bombing of Iraq. 18 resolutions.

1982 Condemns the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. 6 resolutions (1982 to 1983).

1982 Condemns the shooting of 11 Muslims at a shrine in Jerusalem by an Israeli soldier.

1982 Calls on Israel to withdraw from the Golan Heights occupied in 1967.

1982 Condemns apartheid and calls for the cessation of economic aid to South Africa. 4 resolutions.

1982 Calls for the setting up of a World Charter for the protection of the ecology.

1982 Sets up a United Nations conference on succession of states in respect to state property, archives and debts.

1982 Nuclear test bans and negotiations and nuclear free outer space. 3 resolutions.

1982 Supports a new world information and communications order.

1982 Prohibition of chemical and bacteriological weapons.

1982 Development of international law.

1982 Protects against products harmful to health and the environment .

1982 Declares that education, work, health care, proper nourishment, national development are human rights.

1982 Protects against products harmful to health and the environment.

1982 Development of the energy resources of developing countries.

1983 Resolutions about apartheid, nuclear arms, economics, and international law. 15 resolutions.

1984 Condemns support of South Africa in its Namibian and other policies.

1984 International action to eliminate apartheid.

1984 Condemns Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon.

1984 Resolutions about apartheid, nuclear arms, economics, and international law. 18 resolutions.

1985 Condemns Israel for occupying and attacking southern Lebanon.

1985 Condemns Israel for using excessive force in the occupied territories.

1985 Resolutions about cooperation, human rights, trade and development. 3 resolutions.

1985 Measures to be taken against Nazi, Fascist and neo-Fascist activities .

1986 Calls on all governments (including the USA) to observe international law.

1986 Imposes economic and military sanctions against South Africa.

1986 Condemns Israel for its actions against Lebanese civilians.

1986 Calls on Israel to respect Muslim holy places.

1986 Condemns Israel for sky-jacking a Libyan airliner.

1986 Resolutions about cooperation, security, human rights, trade, media bias, the environment and development.

8 resolutions.

1987 Calls on Israel to abide by the Geneva Conventions in its treatment of the Palestinians.

1987 Calls on Israel to stop deporting Palestinians.

1987 Condemns Israel for its actions in Lebanon. 2 resolutions.

1987 Calls on Israel to withdraw its forces from Lebanon.

1987 Cooperation between the United Nations and the League of Arab States.

1987 Calls for compliance in the International Court of Justice concerning military and paramilitary activities against Nicaragua and a call to end the trade embargo against Nicaragua. 2 resolutions.

1987 Measures to prevent international terrorism, study the underlying political and economic causes of terrorism, convene a conference to define terrorism and to differentiate it from the struggle of people from national liberation.

1987 Resolutions concerning journalism, international debt and trade. 3 resolutions.

1987 Opposition to the build up of weapons in space.

1987 Opposition to the development of new weapons of mass destruction.

1987 Opposition to nuclear testing. 2 resolutions.

1987 Proposal to set up South Atlantic "Zone of Peace".

1988 Condemns Israeli practices against Palestinians in the occupied territories. 5 resolutions (1988 and 1989).

1989 Condemns USA invasion of Panama.

1989 Condemns USA troops for ransacking the residence of the Nicaraguan ambassador in Panama.

1989 Condemns USA support for the Contra army in Nicaragua.

1989 Condemns illegal USA embargo of Nicaragua.

1989 Opposing the acquisition of territory by force.

1989 Calling for a resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict based on earlier UN resoltions.

1990 To send three UN Security Council observers to the occupied territories.

1995 Afirms that land in East Jerusalem annexed by Israel is occupied territory.

1997 Calls on Israel to cease building settlements in East Jerusalem and other occupied territories. 2 resolutions.

1999 Calls on the USA to end its trade embargo on Cuba. 8 resolutions (1992 to 1999).

2001 To send unarmed monitors to the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

2001 To set up the International Criminal Court.

2002 To renew the peace keeping mission in Bosnia.

china = human rights abuser

russia = human rights abuser

iran = human rights abuser

suadi arabia = human rights abuser

etc. etc. etc. but no links ? why ?

List of american vetoes/votes whilst russia has vetoed twice as many but no list of them, no patterns in their voting ? no bias there ?

Agenda ? Bias ?

[Dusty Digital]

An interesting article concerning vetoes in the U.N. here.

No. Nyet. Non. Through The Years With The U.N. Veto

Monday, Mar. 24, 2003 By REBECCA WINTERS

Even if the U.S. finds a way of getting nine members of the U.N. Security Council to approve an Iraq resolution, the likelihood is that at least one nation will veto it. The veto, a privilege of the Council's five permanent members, has been exercised 252 times since the U.N. was founded in 1945. It has killed many U.N. initiatives over the years, though it occasionally has been circumvented. But if the U.S. heads for Iraq in spite of a veto by France or another permanent member of the Security Council, it would mark the first time a Council member flouted a veto. Other noteworthy nay votes: --By Rebecca Winters

THE ISSUE When Egypt nationalizes the Suez Canal in 1956, Israel, France and Britain attack

THE VETO London and Paris reject the Council's cease-fire resolution

THE AFTERMATH The U.S. takes the resolution to the General Assembly, which demands a cease-fire. Britain and France withdraw

THE ISSUE The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan in 1979

THE VETO The Security Council passes a resolution condemning the invasion, earning a nyet from the U.S.S.R.--one of 121 vetoes by the Soviet Union or Russia

THE AFTERMATH The last Soviet troops are not withdrawn from Afghanistan until 1989

THE ISSUE U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is nominated for a second term in 1996

THE VETO Calling Boutros-Ghali's reform efforts "halfhearted," the U.S. vetoes the nomination in a closed session

THE AFTERMATH Kofi Annan takes over the top U.N. job

THE ISSUE In 1997 the Guatemalan civil war is ending; the U.N. wants to send in peacekeepers

THE VETO Angry with Guatemala for its warm ties to rival Taiwan, China votes the idea down

THE AFTERMATH Ten days later, China rescinds its veto; in return, Guatemala stops pressing for U.N. membership for Taiwan

THE ISSUE In March 2001 violence in the Middle East is escalating, leading to deaths among Israeli and Palestinian civilians

THE VETO The U.S. rejects a resolution to send U.N. observers to the Palestinian territories, saying it's an unbalanced approach

THE AFTERMATH The observers stay home

I tried to find a list of Soviet vetoes, but indeed it was hard to come by. Short info about Soviet vetoing was found in wikipedia though:

"In the early days of the United Nations, the Soviet Union commissar and later minister for foreign affairs, Vyacheslav Molotov, said no so many times that he was known as "Mr. Veto". In fact, the Soviet Union was responsible for nearly half of all vetoes ever cast—79 vetoes were used in the first 10 years. Molotov regularly rejected bids for new membership because of the U.S.'s refusal to admit the Soviet republics. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russians have used their veto power sparingly."

Source

[ships-cat]

Oooh this is interesting. It appears that the veto of the Security Council P5 is not the be-all and end-all. There is a thing called the General Assembly that can act in the event of hostilities breaking out, and overide the Security Council vote.

This happened to France and the UK: they invaded Egypt when Nasser nationalised/closed the Suez Canal. The USA proposed a resolution to the UN calling for an immidiate ceasefire and withdrawal, which - naturally - France and the UK vetoed.

The USA then took the issue before the General Assembly, which duly voted for a cease-fire in even stronger terms than the original vetoed resolution. France and the UK had to back down or face the ultimate prospect of being attacked by UN/NATO troops !

This is all done under a resolution called 'Uniting for Peace', which was explicity passed to prevent UN paralysis. The resolution can be activated by EITHER seven members (out of 15) of the security council, or a majority of the General Assembly.

This raises the interesting possibility of the UN General Assembly ordering the USA out of Iraq, on pain of force. (though where this 'force' would come from is a debatable matter.)

My source is here , and it makes a short, succinct and interesting read.

Wheels within wheels within a mystery wrapped in an enigma in the windmills of your mind.

Or something...

Meow Purr.

[Test Subject]

But at least admit that we do not follow the morals we preach.[/b]

Wow. Just wow. That's really how you justify it in your mind...wild...

[sirfiroth]

Wow. Just wow. That's really how you justify it in your mind...wild...

The United Nations very large waste of U.S. Taxpayers money, since we foot 40% of the bill for a Bloated, flatulent, impotent organization.

Are you a test subject for some exotic yet to be released Drug!

You Canadians are very critical of the U.S. Laws and Policies, Maybe we should turn the tables and dabble in your internal political matters.

I can't speak for everyone else, But please Mr. Dudley Doright , If I want your opinion I will ask for it.

Don't come rabble rousing on my shores!

Signed

Snidely Whiplash

[Bob26003]

china = human rights abuser

russia = human rights abuser

iran = human rights abuser

suadi arabia = human rights abuser

etc. etc. etc. but no links ? why ?

List of american vetoes/votes whilst russia has vetoed twice as many but no list of them, no patterns in their voting ? no bias there ?

Agenda ? Bias ?

So you think we should have the same standards as them? I dont.

[Moon Monkey]

For the human rights thing..... you quoted Israel as a human right abuser I simply posted a number of other known human rights abusers to highlight the fact that there are many such nations (most worse than Israel), they walk in different shoes from us and therefore cannot be judged by cosy european/US standards they should be judged by the standards of their region or compared with other human rights abusers.

For the UN vetoes thing, its a big world political game...why should the US play by different rules to Russia ?

Edited July 19, 2007 by Moon Monkey

[Dusty Digital]

For the human rights thing..... you quoted Israel as a human right abuser I simply posted a number of other known human rights abusers to highlight the fact that there are many such nations (most worse than Israel), they walk in different shoes from us and therefore cannot be judged by cosy european/US standards they should be judged by the standards of their region or compared with other human rights abusers.

For the UN vetoes thing, its a big world political game...why should the US play by different rules to Russia ?

Maybe it shouldn't. Russia does get a lot of heat for it's human rights violations though, and it did get a lot of criticism for it's constant vetoing.

So it's quite understandable that the U.S. gets harshly criticized for driving it's own and it's human-rights-violator-allie's interests as well.

The problem is perhaps that the U.S. plays the same political games as any other country but still tries to maintain an image of moral superiority, as if it's ends were somehow nobler than other countries'. The difference between reality and that image causes the friction and the "anti-america" attitude that even some europeans harbor.