United they fall: Why only Bill Clinton can save the U.N. by Parag Khanna

I had a great time reading January's Harper Magazine, specially the essay "United they fall: Why only Bill Clinton can save the U.N." by Parag Khanna. I would like to express some ideas about it, even though I have no clue to what really happens at the U.N., except for that part of the U.N. that relates to my job (IMO).

. I have always thought that if there's a way it has to be through the United Nations. Monolithic as it may be, it's what the world is.
. I have admired Koffi Annan's work and I wasn't so impressed with the fact that he failed to mention Darfour as a genocide. Still admire him very much though.
. I have thought that at times Parag Khanna has indulged in self-compliments, but I have to say that overall I really liked the essay. I found it very informative and interesting.
. The idea of having Bill Clinton as the next U.N. Secretary General is the best idea I've heard in a while, not kidding.
. Parag's unveiling of how working at the U.N. is like is a bit distressing for all of those who want to trust this gigantic organization. As I read, I kept hoping that somehow it wouldn't be so bad, that some good people still commit themselves to their job.
. Parag doesn't refer many times the main purpose of the U.N. For educational reasons I wish that had happened a few more times.
. I had no idea about the human trafficking by U.N. personnel.
. Was this essay meant to uplift or trash the U.N.? The U.S. Ambassador John Bolton has done enough of trashing.
. Since it isn't very likely that Clinton is going to get the job, what is the world to do at the prospect of the U.N's impending doom?

Other articles by Parag:
Europe: The Metrosexual Superpower
Terrorism as War
Bollystan
and... Parag Khanna's own website! 

Parag's latest project is a book: "The purpose of my book is two-fold: to show the gap between American power and influence around the world—a gap which is increasingly being filled by other powers such as Europe, China, India and others. My other goal is to show that the majority of countries in the world are neither first world, postmodern societies nor underdeveloped, third world states. Rather, most places are a mix of both, hence “second world.” This is not a temporary condition, but a serious, lasting challenge to the stability of most states. America, more than most people are willing to admit, is a second world country."  Very interesting. (Found at the Intent Blog)

tags: united nations  clinton  parag khanna  harpers  

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