The Journal Inquirer of Manchester (Conn.), April 7:
As we ponder the situation in the Middle East and its many ramifications, it becomes more and more complicated. One never seems to know which side to support.
When we support the Sunni group in Syria we find ourselves on the side of al-Qaida. When we support the Shiites fighting against al-Qaida, we find ourselves on the side of Iran.
Another major problem is our inability to believe anything either side tells us. This should be fully understood by American negotiators when they talk with our so-called allies in the Middle East.
Of course, our once-foremost ally, Israel ”“ the region’s only real democracy ”“ is now on President Barack Obama’s bad list. But as negotiations wear on with Iran, we can understand Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s concern. How can anyone believe anything the Iranians commit to or anything they say?
In the meantime, Ron Prosor, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, has written an essay for The New York Times titled “The U.N.’s war on Israel.”
Prosor points out that in virtually every instance in which the United Nations has condemned Israel the group behind the condemnation includes a substantial anti-Israel membership.
The U.N. Human Rights Council membership includes Qatar and Venezuela, both nations that are hardly supporters of human rights.
Saudi Arabia also sits on the council. A regime that encourages public executions and floggings of such people as the blogger Raif Badawi should not be on the council.
Iran is a member of the committee responsible for disarmament. This is again ludicrous. Iran also serves as vice chairman of the General Assembly’s legal commission. Iranian courts are not known for their objectivity.
The Middle East is a cauldron that is on the verge of bubbling over in a manner that could cause an international conflagration. The United Nations is an entity that is expected to promote world peace.
Unfortunately, with the control of so many vital committees in the hands of those who are stoking the fires of world conflict, we seem to be on our own and should not count on the United Nations for much help.
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