The ancient Romans said ”follow the money (cui bono).” Sadly it’s just as true today…
4
American-supplied jets flown by American-trained pilots provided with American intelligence are killing children and other civilians in Yemen. And then there is the issue of the Saudis' role in 9/11 and their possible legal liability.
Yet twice our president has traveled to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate our close ties to the Kingdom. And, of course, the Clinton Foundation has accepted huge donations from The Saudi royal family.
I hope the news media will press our presidential candidates for their reactions to this news story and for their positions on future support for the royal family, and where they stand on continuing the war in Yemen.
Yet twice our president has traveled to Saudi Arabia to demonstrate our close ties to the Kingdom. And, of course, the Clinton Foundation has accepted huge donations from The Saudi royal family.
I hope the news media will press our presidential candidates for their reactions to this news story and for their positions on future support for the royal family, and where they stand on continuing the war in Yemen.
9
BIG DEAL! Ha Ha. How many countries have caved in to US financial pressure to support its abhorrent policies, policies they otherwise would have no part of. Wow, this is really news. Please put as much headline focus on our Government's use of money and arms to buy support for its equally abhorrent policies.
6
An "A" for effort on Mr. Ban's part, but it (once again) highlights some of the most fundamental and longstanding problems of the UN and similar organizations. I will admit that there is value in having a forum for countries to meet and communicate with each other. Unfortunately, the UN has billed itself as an actual independent authority. The problem, of course, is that it is not really independent at all. It has no independent means of funding itself. It controls no physical territory. Worst of all, it has no reliable enforcement mechanism for its declarations. When it is pursuing an action that is wholly humanitarian (disaster relief, for example) it can still be very useful. Unfortunately, when the "big boys" (i.e., "Superpowers") get it into their head to do something, the U.N. is often hamstrung. I'm not disparaging the idea of an international organization, but this is a problem that must be addressed somehow.
If the U.N. wanted to stop the United States from taking some action in violation of so-called international law, what realistic options does it have beyond its paper condemnations? After all, a disproportionate amount of its budget, its troops, its logistics support and even its headquarters are dependent upon U.S. cooperation. It is, to a slightly lesser extent, similarly dependent on the goodwill of other powerful nations in order to exist. Is it any wonder that countries (including my own) can ignore and/or coerce its leadership almost at will?
If the U.N. wanted to stop the United States from taking some action in violation of so-called international law, what realistic options does it have beyond its paper condemnations? After all, a disproportionate amount of its budget, its troops, its logistics support and even its headquarters are dependent upon U.S. cooperation. It is, to a slightly lesser extent, similarly dependent on the goodwill of other powerful nations in order to exist. Is it any wonder that countries (including my own) can ignore and/or coerce its leadership almost at will?
6
So much for the ideal of achieving a "one world" paradise.
This is an interesting article, as it shows power inheres not only in the threat of harm, but can be in the withdrawal of succor, especially when it is of the life saving variety. Part of the conservative ethos is the realization of this, resisting government being the powerful purveyor of food, health, education and housing -for starters. Of course such socialistic government grows by being benign, but interests develop within this source of power which wants to be perpetuated.
Liberals focus on the goods being supplied, while conservatives see the potential, and inevitability, for withdrawal of such goods selectively. This seems to happen, as often powerful states do go down the path of this corruption. Of course the free market is amoral, but the aggrandizement is only on the retail level, with competition from other entities with their own interests and will to power.
This story shows that the battle between left and right, is not that of good against evil, but relative dangers and benefits of each system.
AlRodbell.com
This is an interesting article, as it shows power inheres not only in the threat of harm, but can be in the withdrawal of succor, especially when it is of the life saving variety. Part of the conservative ethos is the realization of this, resisting government being the powerful purveyor of food, health, education and housing -for starters. Of course such socialistic government grows by being benign, but interests develop within this source of power which wants to be perpetuated.
Liberals focus on the goods being supplied, while conservatives see the potential, and inevitability, for withdrawal of such goods selectively. This seems to happen, as often powerful states do go down the path of this corruption. Of course the free market is amoral, but the aggrandizement is only on the retail level, with competition from other entities with their own interests and will to power.
This story shows that the battle between left and right, is not that of good against evil, but relative dangers and benefits of each system.
AlRodbell.com
1
Telling the whole truth is exactly what Mr. Ban should have done. Good for him!
8
How is it that Saudi Arabia is the most powerful nation on earth?
3
I think it's spelt O-I-L
4
It is rather amusing, as well as disingenuous of the NYT to present this as being somehow a failure of the UN, rather than an expose of the hypocrisy of the USA. Attempting to obscure the fact that the incident involving Morocco's attempted annexation of lands belonging to the Sahrawi as anything other than yet another example of US-backed intransigence might work with those who have neither the knowledge nor the inclination to educate themselves on the matter. At any rate, we see once again the hypocrisy of the USA which claims to be a champion of "Human rights" when it is convenient for its geopolitical plans, while turning a blind and cooperative eye to the human rights abuses of its apple-pie dictators and their deathsquads.
4
Look, lets be honest. This is weak leadership on the part of Mr. Ban. Nothing more or less. And, his ineffectiveness as SG is well known both within and outside the UN. The next SG has the potential to shape the UN to be of significant value to the world, but to do so the executive need to reign in the countries that do not use it properly.
1
Another nail in the coffin for the UN in my opinion. My entire life the UN has been completely irrelevant and ineffective at doing anything. Now their own Head Honcho admits they rely on dirty Saudi Money.
3
Lots of Saudi dirty money finds its way into the coffers of US arms dealers.
4
The biggest arms dealers in the world include China, France, Czech Republic, Great Britain, Russia, and Sweden. Look it up.
3
"Money trumps peace, sometimes."
- George W. Bush
- George W. Bush
1
The admission by Ban Ki Moon shows that the UN is a feckless organization that has lost its raison d'etre. Notwithstanding that the NYC gets lots of revenue from the UNGA sessions when the world leaders show up and use our hotels, it is time to put an end to this worthless entity.
It is not just Saudis that call the shots; all nations do and the UN complies if it is threatened with loss of financial support.
#EndThisMadness
It is not just Saudis that call the shots; all nations do and the UN complies if it is threatened with loss of financial support.
#EndThisMadness
3
Perhaps you should re-read the article, paying particular attention to the following paragraph, if you somehow imagine that the Saudis are not backed by a "higher power."
[quote]
The coalition has been accused of indiscriminately bombing civilian and nonmilitary targets in its battle against Houthi rebels in Yemen for more than a year. The coalition, which is backed by the United States, has consistently denied the accusations.
[/quote]
If anything, this article shows that the USA is a feckless and hypocritical self-styled "world leader" in the realm of "human rights" given its long and deplorable track-record of turning a blind-eye to the human-rights abuses of its apple-pie client states.
[quote]
The coalition has been accused of indiscriminately bombing civilian and nonmilitary targets in its battle against Houthi rebels in Yemen for more than a year. The coalition, which is backed by the United States, has consistently denied the accusations.
[/quote]
If anything, this article shows that the USA is a feckless and hypocritical self-styled "world leader" in the realm of "human rights" given its long and deplorable track-record of turning a blind-eye to the human-rights abuses of its apple-pie client states.
3
There exists a long history of jihadists and terrorist groups using civilians as human shields. We saw it when it was unequivocally demonstrated that Hamas stored weapons in schools and hospitals, and used such facilities for military headquarters. That is probably what we are seeing here.
3
Blame the Brits for carving up the Mideast, and by favoring the Sauds and their Wahabbism
1
Along with the French, Belgians, Germans, Dutch, Spanish, Italians, and Portuguese, from Morocco to Johannesburg. Congo Civil War: longest such war in History, with over 4 million dead, continuing today.
Whom did the French Corsican attack ca. 1810? Egypt.
Whom did the French Corsican attack ca. 1810? Egypt.
3
The Saudis are the real enemy not Iran.
7
Unfortunately, the current administration has enabled the Saudis to continue on its current warpath, as did the previous. I doubt the next administration will change this either.
We spend a lot of time debating the differences between our parties and politicians. Maybe we should spend a little more time discussing the things that haven't changed an iota over the last 20+ years, namely our relationship with the Saudis.
We spend a lot of time debating the differences between our parties and politicians. Maybe we should spend a little more time discussing the things that haven't changed an iota over the last 20+ years, namely our relationship with the Saudis.
5
Maybe better to have some other organization do the listing. The U.N. secretary general is too vulnerable to this kind of extortion. He's damned whichever way he goes. And, of course, all these countries are innocent.
4
No one is surprised with closed door UN politics. Mr. Ban had a difficult decision. Remove KSA from a symbolic list or remove aid to children in war torn regions. In the end, he made the right choice.
2
" It is not our style. It is not our culture ", so said the ambassador, Abdullah al-Mouallami. What a hypocrite and a liar! The Saudi led Coalition HAS killed and maimed children and flattened hospitals. The evidence is stark and cannot be denied. Yet, the Saudi ambassador has the audacity to lie nonchalantly. The Saudis break international and humanitarian laws without compunction in their country, chiefly targeting expats and their women. There are so many complicit in Saudis' stance too - Israel, Turkey, Morocco and the U.S. The last pains me the most. We are backing a coalition spearheaded by Saudi Arabia, one of our greatest allies while willfully overlooking their atrocities. We are engaged in a war with the monstrous, murderous ISIS which is homegrown in Saudi Arabia. More than Saudi Arabia, I am saddened by our hypocrisy and duplicity. The UN Secretary General's part cannot be condoned but now we know he was being blackmailed. Mr. Ban is leaving and another puppet will be installed by the Security Council who unabashed will kow-tow to these vicious, wealthy nations. The Security Council has shown time-in and time-again that they are not an unbiased, neutral body ( eg. our vote for Israel! ). Time to dissolve this Council so that the UN can be representative of all countries of the world not Western interests alone. Seems like money talks as usual. The irony in all this is, Iran comes out smelling like their famous Shiraz roses!
4
Saudi Arabia = Iran's chief enemy and nuclear target, to blackmail its Shi'a way to Mecca and Medina. Pakistan = Saudi's buddy and instant nuclear weapons provider once Iran makes its move, as previously stated by both countries.
Iran - toast.
Iran - toast.
2
The UN is a reactive organization that has been losing credibility over many years. Many of its "organizations" are a joke, politicized and staffed by overpaid bureaucrats who are in there for the cushy jobs and high salaries.
Mr Moon himself has been a weak compromise candidate for leadership. The UN needs a leader with presence and spine - but of course no state wants that.
In the meantime, many autocratic failed countries control many UN institutions, without real meaningful outcomes.
The UN's only saving grace is that the world would be even worse off without it.
Mr Moon himself has been a weak compromise candidate for leadership. The UN needs a leader with presence and spine - but of course no state wants that.
In the meantime, many autocratic failed countries control many UN institutions, without real meaningful outcomes.
The UN's only saving grace is that the world would be even worse off without it.
4
Oil is the money is the oil that makes the world go around. Secy. Gen. Ban-Ki-Moon has found out the hard way.
1
What better reason is there, for the US to sanction this corrupt, criminal government? WE have the wherewithal to make a truly noticeable threat, and we should do it, immediately.
3
Mr. Ban essentially gave into blackmail from the Saudis. At least he has spoken out about it, and that is to his credit.
6
Money speaks, immoral Saudi actions pass, U.N.'s cowardice far-reaching, demeaning its value to represent justice in the world. Appeasement is not the answer. How long will we tolerate this abuse, so tyrants like Erdogan may bully the European Union in tolerating his muzzling of the press and his critics, just so he can 'help' stem the refugee load? The Saudi's indiscriminate killing of innocent people in Yemen? It must be condemned...unless we choose being complicit. So, what will it be? Pragmatism trumping the 'golden rule?' Hypocrisy in the making? Who are we?
4
Contrary to what every US President says, the Saudis are not our friends or our ally. Good job Mr. Moon.
5
Then why has it been bombing the Al Q'aeda rebels in Libya, and Yemen? Are they now our friends? Can they vote in the November election?, that would explain Obama's shifting allegiances.
Corruption, simple as that. He needs to be replaced.
3
The schools might have been full of child soldiers who victimise innocent citizens and foreigners.
It is a fact of life that innocent people get killed in wars; that's the nature of war. All these do gooders sitting in their comfortable homes making comments from their peaceful nations need to remember that the reason you and your kids can sleep safely in war is because of other defence staff who put their lives at risk to keep killers; whether child soldiers or not, away from your nations. Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Humans make mistakes and life is not perfect.
It is a fact of life that innocent people get killed in wars; that's the nature of war. All these do gooders sitting in their comfortable homes making comments from their peaceful nations need to remember that the reason you and your kids can sleep safely in war is because of other defence staff who put their lives at risk to keep killers; whether child soldiers or not, away from your nations. Hindsight is a wonderful thing! Humans make mistakes and life is not perfect.
1
Global warming/climate change needs to become the number one issue for the U.N. and its member nations. Not pushing this issue to the forefront is having, and will continue to have, disastrous results for life on the planet. A resolution to the effect that the air we breathe and the make up of the atmosphere as it affects and alters climate and sea level is the common property of all people, and the purpose of the U.N. is to regulate all nations through majority agreements to confront this issue. All nations working together on maintaining a breathable, healthy for living creatures, atmosphere may solve other problems as well, such as excessive greed--land grabs, the threat of nuclear annihilation, and racism/xenophobia posing as religion. All nations working together to solve this most urgent, pressing, problem might encourage cooperation to solve other problems as well.
Militaries around the world are major emitters of greenhouse gases. They would do better to be enablers of solar/wind/tidal electricity generation through their engineers, as well as deliverers of food and medical supplies through their navies and air transports.
I would suggest someone to head the U.N with Environmental credentials, such as Vandana Shiva of India or James Hansen of the U.S. The U.N. needs to change its charter to reflect not only the need to actively prevent warfare and the spread of nuclear weapons, but also to combat global warming/climate change.
Militaries around the world are major emitters of greenhouse gases. They would do better to be enablers of solar/wind/tidal electricity generation through their engineers, as well as deliverers of food and medical supplies through their navies and air transports.
I would suggest someone to head the U.N with Environmental credentials, such as Vandana Shiva of India or James Hansen of the U.S. The U.N. needs to change its charter to reflect not only the need to actively prevent warfare and the spread of nuclear weapons, but also to combat global warming/climate change.
4
Do you think this is any different from the US threatening the Saudis to keep pumping oil and keep the price of oil down for as long as possible or the US will leak the 28 pages of the top secret 9/11 report which probably presents a glaring indictment of the Saudi family's and religious leaders either complicit or active involvement in the 9/11 attacks due to us being nonbelievers. Or, it implicates the entire Wahhabist terrorist fund raising mechanism and culture promoted and allowed by the Saudi family.
It is truly pathetic that our government and entire economy is so addicted to middle east oil that we too are complicit in the largest transfer of wealth from the west to the east EVER. Not only is it a global warming disaster, but a national security disaster that we have allowed to go on for too long!
It is truly pathetic that our government and entire economy is so addicted to middle east oil that we too are complicit in the largest transfer of wealth from the west to the east EVER. Not only is it a global warming disaster, but a national security disaster that we have allowed to go on for too long!
12
Baseless paranoia against Clean Coal, and nuclear energy, and offshore drilling, and North Slope drilling, has left the Obama greens up Solar Creek without a paddle. They need Saudi wayyyy more than it needs them. Who knew?
The victims of these "energy sources" cry out to be represented here. Their experiences, which is to say our experiences, are not baseless paranoia--or any other kind.
A collapse is coming. Will it be planned and managed? Or will it be even more catastrophic than than the techno-industrial business as usual that will precipitate it?
A collapse is coming. Will it be planned and managed? Or will it be even more catastrophic than than the techno-industrial business as usual that will precipitate it?
1
So the Saudis did the same thing the US and Israelis did last year and now Saudi Arabia is the problem?
I think the desert monarchy is as corrupt as any other- their strain of religious violence rivals no one. But they are exerting the same influences as any other nation.
The Saudis are not the first and will not be the last to use money for leverage at the UN.
I think the desert monarchy is as corrupt as any other- their strain of religious violence rivals no one. But they are exerting the same influences as any other nation.
The Saudis are not the first and will not be the last to use money for leverage at the UN.
4
The Saudi's are doing what the Americans have been doing for years.
Remember UNICEF?
Remember UNICEF?
5
Money talks and free speech ends!! Our "friends" thr saudi's strike again!
4
Time is running out for Saudis. Soon a new kind of fuel will be discovered and no one is going to use the crude oil. Saudis will be bankrupt country and will not be able to use the power of their crude oil money. No matter what the financial state of UNO be it should not be influenced by a country for money reasons. Highly paid individuals for wasteful reasons or projects, lavish spending at UNO on individual living and parties etc. should be eleiminated tp control the spending.
Too big to criticize!
Unfortunately, the same seems to be true, in our President's eyes. The Saudis are and have been literally and figuratively getting away with murder!
Unfortunately, the same seems to be true, in our President's eyes. The Saudis are and have been literally and figuratively getting away with murder!
4
The so-called "Family of Nations"(UN) is a dysfunctional family! This is just another example of how dysfunctional it is.
3
The authority of the League of Nations was no different. Japan ignored its rulings on Japan's early aggression in the 1930s in Asia. The UN is really a paper tiger with respects to any ruling against any of the veto bearing countries. Obviously, the power of the purse has shown itself in this case.
2
Secretary General, once a great job promoting real leadership, has devolved into a punching bag for the great powers. I do not look forward to the next Secretary General. My assumption is that leader will be an even more bought-and-paid-for straw man and less a Dag Hammarskjöld.
Perhaps the world should simply give UN leadership to the Swedes for the next ten years and see what happens. Can't be worse than this.
Perhaps the world should simply give UN leadership to the Swedes for the next ten years and see what happens. Can't be worse than this.
4
Ban's admission reveals for all who might not have deduced this earlier why the UN is a bad joke. It's absurd enough that an international organization such as the UN is structured as a democracy when it is in reality dominated by dictatorships. It's even more telling that its decision-making processes are regularly bought and sold, particularly by the affluent Arabic theocracies of the Gulf.
Little wonder that democratic Israel is so often the target of the wrath of UN commissions. The organization is nothing short of a travesty when it comes to any pretense of fairness. And it is correspondingly a waste of funds for our country to lower itself to financially and politically support it...
Little wonder that democratic Israel is so often the target of the wrath of UN commissions. The organization is nothing short of a travesty when it comes to any pretense of fairness. And it is correspondingly a waste of funds for our country to lower itself to financially and politically support it...
4
Because Israel has never had any influence on the decisions of the UN?
You really want to go with that?
This is sad news indeed, but completely expected. The UN has no real power -- so it can only cajole members to behave in particular ways, and needs to court whatever donor states it has. To be in Ban Ki-moons situation must be very difficult -- if he's a good man, he has to weigh what can be accomplished versus what a principled stand in every case may mean.
You really want to go with that?
This is sad news indeed, but completely expected. The UN has no real power -- so it can only cajole members to behave in particular ways, and needs to court whatever donor states it has. To be in Ban Ki-moons situation must be very difficult -- if he's a good man, he has to weigh what can be accomplished versus what a principled stand in every case may mean.
6
The UN has no real power
---------------------------
Then who fought and won the Korean War, and was dispatched to Bosnia (India) and Rwanda (Netherlands & Canadians) with armored vehicles, well-trained troops, etc.?
---------------------------
Then who fought and won the Korean War, and was dispatched to Bosnia (India) and Rwanda (Netherlands & Canadians) with armored vehicles, well-trained troops, etc.?
It looks like the Saudis put the Secretary General in an impossible situation. But, I applaud his honesty in calling out what amounts to blackmail, and believe that he actually ended up in a better place than began. After all, this routine report would have attracted little notice if it had been issued as planned, even with the Saudi human rights violations included. Now that the press is focused on the kingdom's (successful) pressure to remove it, we're all more aware of the rights violation in question *and* we now know that the Saudis leveraged threats against OTHER CHILDREN (cutting off aid) to get what they wanted. That is disgusting and beyond the pale.
This is far worse, though in essence similar to Australia's lobbying to remove the Great Barrier Reef as one of the sites threatened by climate change in a UNESCO report. As everyone is now aware of what the Australians did, we're all a bit more aware of the problem of climate change in that area.
Continue the naming and shaming, Ban Ki-moon. You are doing a service to us all by bringing some badly-needed transparency to the table.
This is far worse, though in essence similar to Australia's lobbying to remove the Great Barrier Reef as one of the sites threatened by climate change in a UNESCO report. As everyone is now aware of what the Australians did, we're all a bit more aware of the problem of climate change in that area.
Continue the naming and shaming, Ban Ki-moon. You are doing a service to us all by bringing some badly-needed transparency to the table.
20
I am not sure what good came to the Saudis. I, for one, was not even aware of this list. Instead, now that news of this forced removal is spreading, not only the Saudis are figuratively back on the list to many minds, but also were exposed on their blackmail-style lobbying practice. They must be livid. On the other hand, I am sure the US would belong to some similar list of abuse, had we not the influence we have...
How ironic? In addition to their ongoing support of terrorism, while the American government looks the other way, the Saudis are enacting another form of terrorism within the U.S. itself, one which the mainstream media seems to have chosen to ignore. Over the last several years, in attempt to become totally self-sufficient in food, especially wheat and alfalfa, the Saudis have all but depleted their supplies of water within their own country resulting in them purchasing thousands of acres of farm land in Arizona and California, areas that are already suffering from drought. The Saudis are growing both alfalfa and wheat on these lands, shipping it back to Saudi Arabia while, at the expense of the local farmers in the area are able to dig deeper wells and drain those aquifers as well.
Wake up America, it seems if the Saudis do not get their way, they threaten everyone, , including the UN, they are NOT your friend or ally.
Wake up America, it seems if the Saudis do not get their way, they threaten everyone, , including the UN, they are NOT your friend or ally.
2
I thinks is great the U.N. Secretary acknowledges the pressures the U.N. faces everyday, and how Nations such as Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Israel prevent the U.N. from doing its assigned job.
2
This news is not at all surprising. The UN is but a puppet in the hands of rich countries. How else would you explain that the largest Democratic country in the world - India- is not a permanent member of the security council. How else can you explain that Saudi Arabia -a country known for beheading people, stoning women to death and killing gay people is allowed to chair the UN Human Rights council.
3
As a side note, there wouldn't be an Israel-Palestinian crisis today if the UN had acted appropriately in 1967. Egypt's Nasser grabbed the Suez Canal away from international auspices, denied Israeli shipping rights through the Straits of Tiran, exhorted the Arab nations to prepare for final war on Israel ..... and ordered the UN peacekeeping forces out.
Huh? Is the 'peacekeeping force' supposed to keep peace?
Of course, U Thant acquiesced with indecent speed, and the result was the 1967 war. Which Israel won. With no help from anyone, including the US, Britain, or France.
Huh? Is the 'peacekeeping force' supposed to keep peace?
Of course, U Thant acquiesced with indecent speed, and the result was the 1967 war. Which Israel won. With no help from anyone, including the US, Britain, or France.
3
Our friends the Saudis... not. From exporting money to support their medieval brand of religion to outright support of terrorism, who's surprised by today's story?
1
Disgusting
2
The United States is a big part of the problem. I heard John Kerry give a lame excuse justifying the Saudi bombings in Yemen. It had the same ring to it that got us involved in Vietnam and Iraq (Afghanistan, too.)
5
Whenever Mr. Moon makes the right moves he is knocked down by the bullies of the world including our own country.
4
American backed, supplied and enabled allies using pressures and threats, when not directly whitewashed by the US veto at the UN Security Council when it comes to Israel, to prevent these latter from being listed for their war crimes: QED.
3
Why is the even a story? The UN, and foreign affairs generally is not a democracy where a battle of ideas wins the day. Countries do not have friends, do not do what is "morally" right, whatever that means, but instead have interests. If being friendly with another nation serves a country's best interest, they are. If not, they are not. Similarly, countries do not donate to causes out of altruism, but rather for political gain. Saudi Arabia is just acting in its own interests and doing a cost/benefit analysis, fair and square.
2
This is a good story because the branding of the UN doesn't match realities and people need to be informed of realities.
4
Like Israel, Saudi Arabia dictates her terms using the power of the Supreme commander USA. The USA shamefully allowed her stooges to overruled the Authorities of the U N and many other international organizations, only to show her supreme power.
America under the several Presidents including Obama has initiated gunboat diplomacy in several nations including Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and Palestine to safeguard the interest of her allies at the cost of killings hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and destroying ancient civilizations, against the will of the U. N.
Lately, U. N. has become a mouthpiece of the western war lords, and working for the interest of the five Veto holding powers. The U N Secretary is not a secretary or a general but a puppet of the five Veto power nations.
America under the several Presidents including Obama has initiated gunboat diplomacy in several nations including Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya and Palestine to safeguard the interest of her allies at the cost of killings hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians and destroying ancient civilizations, against the will of the U. N.
Lately, U. N. has become a mouthpiece of the western war lords, and working for the interest of the five Veto holding powers. The U N Secretary is not a secretary or a general but a puppet of the five Veto power nations.
2
Isn't reality awful?! (I wanted to say something ruder.)
History demonstrates that we humans, the most predatory species ever, are designed to hate and hurt each other in the name off power and acquisition, and kill off the weak while blaming them for being inferior.
Can we evolve? I'm not sure.
History demonstrates that we humans, the most predatory species ever, are designed to hate and hurt each other in the name off power and acquisition, and kill off the weak while blaming them for being inferior.
Can we evolve? I'm not sure.
10
Hats off to Ban Ki Moon. On closer inspection, I see the US is given a pass about backing the "coalition".
It seems to me he is demonstrating courage, along the lines of Judge Curiel, and would not be surprised if he is not exactly "safe" for outing these details.
It seems to me he is demonstrating courage, along the lines of Judge Curiel, and would not be surprised if he is not exactly "safe" for outing these details.
4
Has anyone ever believed that UN lists, agencies and commissions are unbiased and not subject to outside influence? It is to much to expect sovereign nations to rise above narrow self interest.
What is lacking, however, is cander about the UN - to much written about the UN sounds like the propaganda we were feed as children in school. Yes you can b uy your way off the list of countries that kill and maim children, yes the UN Human Rights Council contains nations with terrible human rights records and is biased against Israel etc.
The UN would do itself a favor by ridding itself of corrupt or inefficient agencies. Why doesn't the USA use its UN contributions to throw its weight around?
What is lacking, however, is cander about the UN - to much written about the UN sounds like the propaganda we were feed as children in school. Yes you can b uy your way off the list of countries that kill and maim children, yes the UN Human Rights Council contains nations with terrible human rights records and is biased against Israel etc.
The UN would do itself a favor by ridding itself of corrupt or inefficient agencies. Why doesn't the USA use its UN contributions to throw its weight around?
3
Ah, the USA does use its economic and military power to push the U.N. around. How do you think we got the U.N. approval to invade Iraq for no good reason in '03?
1
Did you read the article?
The US never got that approval...
"The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, declared explicitly for the first time last night that the US-led war on Iraq was illegal. Mr Annan said that the invasion was not sanctioned by the UN security council or in accordance with the UN's founding charter." (theguardian, "Iraq war was illegal and breached UN charter, says Annan", Sep 15, 2004)
"The United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan, declared explicitly for the first time last night that the US-led war on Iraq was illegal. Mr Annan said that the invasion was not sanctioned by the UN security council or in accordance with the UN's founding charter." (theguardian, "Iraq war was illegal and breached UN charter, says Annan", Sep 15, 2004)
Honestly now, isn't the United Nations really the United Nothing? It is a good place to talk, I'll give it that, yet none of us should believe for a moment that it can do anything more than air dirty laundry. Its overall, in the bigger scheme of things, can do nothing. So, once we all understand that, we are good to go. Yet if we believe it is a place of change, you are simply fooling yourself
11
This organization need to be accountable for its spending and other programmes. However, there is no question that such an organization is needed for world to control when things go out of control and hand in violent situations.
1
The UN of Nothing you speak of is feeding and educating millions of children. It may a decision to sacrifice a report to keep those children and families fed. In the process the UN still achieved the same effect by naming the Saudis and by publicly acknowledging that the Saudis blackmailed them. For me, the choice is clear. Keep the relief efforts alive but bring the Saudis duplicity to light.
7
He is wrong but right to admit. Saudi Arabia is the real problem.
31
Thanks for a deep belly laugh this morning, even though it has a bitter after taste. Your opening line is a classic. For an American journalist to write that completely oblivious is just classic. Did anyone in the NYT ever write a line like that all these "black helicopter" years when Anerica waged jihad against the UN? We remember for example GWB's chief "diplomat" Mr. Bolton, or the antics in Congress through the Clinton years, or Norm Coleman's disastrous encounter with the British parliamentarian in pursuit of alleged UN wrongdoing amongst other things but designed to cow the world into falling in line, etc. but no at those times we did not get a classic line.
14
Gee what a surprise. The UN is an anti Semitic joke that seems to be around mostly so that Arab nations can demonize Israel and have their own crimes whitewashed and ignored. UN Watch reported in November 2015 that 20 resolutions singling out Israel for criticism were adopted that year, only 3 against the rest of the world.
23
Could it be because they are militarily occupying other people´s land ?
1
"Agence France-Presse has described UN Watch both as "a lobby group with strong ties to Israel"(wikipedia)
You are mentioning a partisan "pro-Israel" lobby group routinely using innuendo and pressures against the UN and its reports -notably the Goldstone Report- condemning Israel war crimes... I am sure that the Saudis could come up with some similarly partisan and slanted "NGO" to denigrate the UN when their are not happy with their objective findings.
You are mentioning a partisan "pro-Israel" lobby group routinely using innuendo and pressures against the UN and its reports -notably the Goldstone Report- condemning Israel war crimes... I am sure that the Saudis could come up with some similarly partisan and slanted "NGO" to denigrate the UN when their are not happy with their objective findings.
There is a God in heaven who will not be mocked. While today he has authorized man to dispense justice, the day is coming wherein he will ensure that righteousness flows from sea to shining sea. And no nation or person, rich or poor, will be able to stay his hand. Sadly, the article only shows the reality of this wicked world we live in that has been partial against the poor and therefore impoverished by man's greed and lack of equity with dispensing justice. I am banking on God no matter how long it seems to take.
1
Saudi Arabia is the source of Islamic fundamentalist terror throughout the world. It coopted a religion of peace and made it evil. That is what fundamentalist authoritarians do. They work hand in glove with the political and religious "need for greed" power brokers to achieve their goals. These go are the total domination of people's souls. This is the essence of evil.
19
The Saudis seem to have an unprecedented and undemocratic tendency for threating nations and organizations that point out truths about their actions.
This time it's the UN. Not that long ago it was the US, which were warned of economic fallout if the Congress was to pass the 9/11 Bill.
The Saudi funding is much appreciated and welcomed. The threats and suppression of the truth is not.
This time it's the UN. Not that long ago it was the US, which were warned of economic fallout if the Congress was to pass the 9/11 Bill.
The Saudi funding is much appreciated and welcomed. The threats and suppression of the truth is not.
3
No surprises here, and Mr Ban Ki-moon is honest enough to admit that the UN succumbs to outside pressure by those funding its programs and ultimately, its existence. This is real world politik. Unfortunately, the UN is hobbled and even though some of its agencies do very good humanitarian work, this organization doesn't appear to be effective where it really counts.
28
Now if he was ethical enough to refuse to be bribed that would be something.
1
All UN agencies are subject to the same funds withholding pressures. The US is particularly active in making these threats.
14
The story so clearly reports on the options faced by Mr. Ban. Surely it wouldn't be easy to deprive OTHER children of the money that Saudis (and perhaps Americans) threaten to withhold. A Hobson's Choice I believe it's called. Yes, money really is the root of all evil. Believe it!
6
It would be very easy not to be bribed and to raise funds elsewhere, at least it would be an easy decision for me. I value ethics very highly so bribing me is difficult to impossible. And it is the love of money that is said to be the root of all evil, not money itself.
The entire UN as well as most of their projects function into this way. It is not at all clear that the UN accomplishes more good than harm.
3
Disappointing to read about how money influences the politics at all revels but glad to see us global citizens reading about it and responding in ways we deem appropriate. It is a sad reality but at least we are aware.
3
Wow! What a shocker to learn that the humanitarian efforts of the UN are really just another of their highly politicized manipulable efforts. Other than being a source of propaganda and the continuing employment of a number of people who would either have to find jobs in the education sector, or go on the public dole, I am not sure what purpose the UN serves.
3
While Mr Ban has performed poorly on this issue, it must be recognised that the UN, with all its flaws, must remain operating and all must take note of the malignant approach of Saudi Arabia beyond financial blackmail. Saudi Arabia, along with the other Gulf countries all promote ideologies that are contrary to the basic requirements of civility - do not harm. All promote abuse of women, sectarian and religious hatred, and in some cases, abuse of children. While such countries must be allowed time at the UN to speak, they must not be permitted to continue to impede progress on securing basic human rights to life, liberty and freedom of expression.
5
This is not a good precedent at all. If a puny, dehydrating, repressively religious country can push the U.N. around like this, the U.N. is worthless. Oh I know we've all seen the U.N. be U.N.-important and U.N.-convincing, but this strikes me as a new low.
I think either we need to give the U.N. real teeth or we can dismiss it as another failure like the League of Nations. Really the organization built to aid world peace and rational management of the planet will be the one to come after this one, if one does. Either the next such world organization will have control of all the nuclear missiles, or nuclear missiles will have proven to be the end of us; it's a certainty that this broken thing wouldn't stop them from flying.
I think either we need to give the U.N. real teeth or we can dismiss it as another failure like the League of Nations. Really the organization built to aid world peace and rational management of the planet will be the one to come after this one, if one does. Either the next such world organization will have control of all the nuclear missiles, or nuclear missiles will have proven to be the end of us; it's a certainty that this broken thing wouldn't stop them from flying.
2
Morality has given way to men with money. How sad we have become. When normally good men are silenced by those that are unscrupulous, then the world's ideals are compromised.
Is there any leader of this world strong enough to hold to morality in the face of money pressure? We would be better off if only there was such a person. Sadly, our own leadership is, for the foreseeable future, morally corrupted.
Is there any leader of this world strong enough to hold to morality in the face of money pressure? We would be better off if only there was such a person. Sadly, our own leadership is, for the foreseeable future, morally corrupted.
13
A honorable admission by the Secretary General, a shameful and institutionally destructive compromise by the United Nations. Now, as much as ever we must put ethics over expediency.
37
Ethics were there to choose to keep vital humanitarian programs barely funded if that meant leaving a name off a list, hardly any "expediency".
Expediency over ethics is the US farcical list of state-sponsored terrorism leaving the dictatorship of Saudi Arabia -the world's largest source of funds and promoter of Salafist jihadism and the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide- off the hook for purely immoral self-serving interests, and for the US (UK, France, etc) to supply them the weapons used for all these war crimes.
Expediency over ethics is the US farcical list of state-sponsored terrorism leaving the dictatorship of Saudi Arabia -the world's largest source of funds and promoter of Salafist jihadism and the most significant source of funding to Sunni terrorist groups worldwide- off the hook for purely immoral self-serving interests, and for the US (UK, France, etc) to supply them the weapons used for all these war crimes.
2
Further proof that the Saudis are the true enemies of civilization in the world.
1
And will we now impose sanctions on the murderous Saudi regime for its slaughter of innocent children……..
Oops…..forgot that it is with bombs and weapons supplied by us that the Saudis conduct their barbaric attacks on children.
Oops…..forgot that it is with bombs and weapons supplied by us that the Saudis conduct their barbaric attacks on children.
8
It sounds like Mr. Ban's successor should be a potted plant. And shame on the members for their universal contempt for the lives of children.
The UN serves no useful purpose in a world of instant communication. The money we spend sustaining it could be spent on educating our young. That would never happen of course because it would require a spine to do both.
1
Also, a spine is needed to raise taxes on the rich, which surely is an essential component of any education expenditure.
2
According to a recent piece in Bloomberg, we have been deleting Saudis from lists since the 70s.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-05-30/the-untold-story-behin...
Money hasn't just made a joke of American democracy, but globally. If you read the recent State Department report on State Sponsors of terrorism, you would realize what a joke that is too. Iran is listed for doing the same things we do around the world, but they are listed as 'state sponsor of terrorism' because the side they take is not always the side we prefer. For instance it's good to support people fighting Syrian or Ukrainian government are good, but Palestinians fighting for their freedom are terrorists and therefore whoever tries to help the latter are "state sponsor of terrorism". Reason? Money.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2016-05-30/the-untold-story-behin...
Money hasn't just made a joke of American democracy, but globally. If you read the recent State Department report on State Sponsors of terrorism, you would realize what a joke that is too. Iran is listed for doing the same things we do around the world, but they are listed as 'state sponsor of terrorism' because the side they take is not always the side we prefer. For instance it's good to support people fighting Syrian or Ukrainian government are good, but Palestinians fighting for their freedom are terrorists and therefore whoever tries to help the latter are "state sponsor of terrorism". Reason? Money.
17
I would love to hear what Clinton has to say about Saudi Arabia. Are we looking forward to 4-8 years of status quo with this frenemy? Will the U.S. continue to turn a blind eye to the state-sponsored spread of Wahabism? Will we continue to sell advanced weaponry to these oppressors? Will we not impose sanctions and demand social-political reforms? Why must we called the Saudis allies when everything they do and represent is anathema to western values?
The only way she'll about it is if someone brings it up in a debate. Any moderators listening out there?
The only way she'll about it is if someone brings it up in a debate. Any moderators listening out there?
9
I understand the conundrum, but I wonder how the world can ever know the truth if global leaders refuse to speak it. Mr. Ban's replacement must be totally independent. When a UN Secretary General comes to depend on this side or that, s/he loses all credibility and therefore becomes impotent as a force for moral leadership.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
www.endthemadnessnow.org
2
Countries, including the US, should not be influencing the UN agenda.
6
Why not? The UN is made up of countries who pay money so they get a say in how it is run. Now for me I would like the UN to move somewhere else and the US use its money either directly or to reduce the debt. It is an obsolete institution not worth the cost. Of course that is just my opinion.
Why is this a surprise? The UN has always turned a blind eye to the treatment of women in Muslim, Hindu and African nations; the crimes of Muslim terrorists against Jewish targets; the persecution of Christians in some Muslim nations; and the oppressive regimes in China, Russia and much of the Third World.
9
If he'd stood up to the Saudis and reported their blackmail to the world, do we really think they would have carried out their threat? A self-inflicted PR disaster of this type for such an oil-rich nation would be highly unlikely, especially one like SA with such a poor human rights record and a (redacted) paper trail connecting them to terrorism.
This was a shameful act and, if not for its being revealed so close to the end of his term, one justifying his removal from office.
This was a shameful act and, if not for its being revealed so close to the end of his term, one justifying his removal from office.
9
The latest "senior" diplomats and officials in Saudi Arabia are quite erratic, and if their threats over the US 9/11 legal claims law (speaking of self-inflicted PR disaster) were mostly hollow they would gladly remove funding to UN programs, and rest assured that nobody then would be seen stepping up to fill the hole in their budget.
Did the U.S. ever restore funding to UNESCO? While I realize that UNESCO is not the UN, it seems the U.S. and Israel cut off funding UNESCO in 2011 after votes to admit Palestine as a member. UNESCO is an important organization and U.S. lost its influence there because of its stand...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/08/us-unesco-voting-funds-pal...
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/kerry-i-am-determ...
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/08/us-unesco-voting-funds-pal...
http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/patrick-goodenough/kerry-i-am-determ...
11
He can't take it anymore, can he? This is the same guy who lambasts Israel at every opportunity, fair or not, arm-twisted at the behest of Muslim countries. Such is the condemnation, that it borders on anti-semitism. UN is useless, along with its sister agencies, in being fair, impartial and protecting basic human rights. All it can do is issue hollow warnings, and beat the dead horse.
7
If it really came down to losing humanitarian funding versus putting the "Saudi-led" military coalition on some list, it sounds like the Secretary General made a good, practical choice! With all the political bargaining going on over what goes into a UN report, functionally they are pretty meaningless anyway.
14
“It is not our style. It is not our culture. It is not our spirit to use threats or intimidation.”--Saudi Arabian ambassador
Uh, what? Saudi Arabia is ruled according to the tenets of Wahhabism--the most crazed, fanatical, intolerant strain of Islam that has ever existed in the modern era. Every Afghan and Pakistani youth whose head is full of rage and hatred and a desire to burn down an all-girls school or blow up civilians in a vegetable market has been influenced by Saudi-financed organizations and institutions.
No threats or intimidation, huh? You couldn't pay me to visit Saudi Arabia and sit in a public place reading the Bible or the Upanishads. I wouldn't wish to find out what the eyes-bulging morality police or somebody else would do to me if they saw me reading any religious text besides the Koran.
Unfortunate that the UN Secretary-General had to back down, but at least he admitted it publicly so the facts are out there.
If the USA can't bring itself to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran, then how on earth can it justify maintaining any kind of relations with Saudi Arabia? Not to mention working with that country to wreak havoc in Yemen. Iran is ruled by a terrible government, but the government that rules Saudi Arabia is arguably much worse.
Uh, what? Saudi Arabia is ruled according to the tenets of Wahhabism--the most crazed, fanatical, intolerant strain of Islam that has ever existed in the modern era. Every Afghan and Pakistani youth whose head is full of rage and hatred and a desire to burn down an all-girls school or blow up civilians in a vegetable market has been influenced by Saudi-financed organizations and institutions.
No threats or intimidation, huh? You couldn't pay me to visit Saudi Arabia and sit in a public place reading the Bible or the Upanishads. I wouldn't wish to find out what the eyes-bulging morality police or somebody else would do to me if they saw me reading any religious text besides the Koran.
Unfortunate that the UN Secretary-General had to back down, but at least he admitted it publicly so the facts are out there.
If the USA can't bring itself to maintain diplomatic relations with Iran, then how on earth can it justify maintaining any kind of relations with Saudi Arabia? Not to mention working with that country to wreak havoc in Yemen. Iran is ruled by a terrible government, but the government that rules Saudi Arabia is arguably much worse.
82
No, you cannot read the Bible or the Upanishads in Saudi Arabia even if you wished to risk their morality police.
All non-Koran religious materials are banned and these will be confiscated at the airport.
All non-Koran religious materials are banned and these will be confiscated at the airport.
What was it that our future president said in her big foreign policy speech? That we're a nation that takes to task those who violate the rights of women? I almost laughed bc I thought of SA and a slew of other countries that violate human rights, which can include the torture of children.
44
This article highlight the UN limited political power. As Mr. Ban is heading into his last year as General Secretary more than a dozen of names have being put forward for his future replacement. A few of the characteristics they will be looking for are courageous and independent. Well, if there is one thing that the UN does not do is to operated independently, fearing nations funding cut off, the UN has become a dependable organization and lacking courage.
2
So much for UN being an objective organization. We call for isolation of UN from Arab lands.
1
Ah, this explains the UN's strange insistence that it is Europe's duty to take in every last ME and African migrant who bangs on the door, while strangely omitting any mention of those miles of air conditioned tents standing empty in the Kingdom.
15
But, of course, it's the Saudis, the paragons of human rights protection, who lead the charge in condemning Israel.
18
Money makes the world go around. Sometimes, that's good. And sometimes, it's bad. Shameful.
8
This is case and point why the UN will always politically be a joke on the world stage. Don't get me wrong, it does good work with regards to global health, education, peacekeeping, and refugees, but politically it's been nothing but theater since the Korean War. Whenever attempts are made to impose basic standards of decency on states, Third World dictators (or in this case theocrats) cry imperialism and blame Israel for the world's problems. Apparently if they're a source of revenue for the UN, they can be immune even from criticism. Ban has done as well as he could with the cards he had, but those were a few short of a full deck if you know what I mean.
As for the Saudis, I literally laughed out loud when I read that thuggery “ ... is not our style. It is not our culture. It is not our spirit to use threats or intimidation.” Their "style" revolves around intimidation, bribes, fundamentalism, and corruption. Saudi Arabia is a false ally to the United States and a poor global citizen; it should be treated as the pariah state that it is and internationally isolated. That won't happen of course, as long as the money keeps flowing and the Ban Ki-Moons of the world keep acquiescing.
As for the Saudis, I literally laughed out loud when I read that thuggery “ ... is not our style. It is not our culture. It is not our spirit to use threats or intimidation.” Their "style" revolves around intimidation, bribes, fundamentalism, and corruption. Saudi Arabia is a false ally to the United States and a poor global citizen; it should be treated as the pariah state that it is and internationally isolated. That won't happen of course, as long as the money keeps flowing and the Ban Ki-Moons of the world keep acquiescing.
30
"The Saudi ambassador promptly asserted that there had been no undue pressure."
He's correct. There was no "undue" pressure; there was exactly the correct amount of financial pressure on the craven, compromising, and in the end prostratingly obedient Mr. Ban.
He's correct. There was no "undue" pressure; there was exactly the correct amount of financial pressure on the craven, compromising, and in the end prostratingly obedient Mr. Ban.
22
It is the mendacity of the Saudis that amazes me again and again. Such bold face lying has to be learned and I am sure it makes it nearly impossible to deal with their diplomats. Without the oil we could leave them to plunder pilgrimage caravans in the desert but alas, we have to watch them pollute the world with their hateful ideology.
It is stories like these that make energy independence a must.
It is stories like these that make energy independence a must.
35
Saudis are doing something that is reprehensible.
Using their clout with UN to reverse its decision
is used routinely by other countries. In this column
USA is cited urging UN to not blacklist Israel for
bombing schools and killing children in Gaza
as well as uninviting Iran to peace conference
on Syria. ditto for France shielding Morocco for its
occupation of Sahara.If it is o.k. for USA and France
it is o.k. for Saudis.USA should lead by example.
Unfortunately, our exceptionalism is not universally
accepted.
Using their clout with UN to reverse its decision
is used routinely by other countries. In this column
USA is cited urging UN to not blacklist Israel for
bombing schools and killing children in Gaza
as well as uninviting Iran to peace conference
on Syria. ditto for France shielding Morocco for its
occupation of Sahara.If it is o.k. for USA and France
it is o.k. for Saudis.USA should lead by example.
Unfortunately, our exceptionalism is not universally
accepted.
5
What happened to the congressional resolution to allow American citizens to sue the Saudi government over 9/11? As nearly as I can determine, it's waiting action in the Republican controlled House.
* Ryan said the House needs to 'review' the bill on April 19. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama would veto it on the same day.
* The Senate passed the bill about a month later on May 17.
* Also on April 19, Obama flew to Saudi Arabia to play kissy-face with the Saudi royal family.
* Both Sanders and Hillary are on record as supporting the bill. I can't find a thing from Trump except some random tweet that doesn't say anything specific. (Foreign policy by Twitter! What a concept!)
To be clear, I don't support the bill (not that my opinion matters). There are some things that can't be settled by lawsuits and money won't change what happened now or hurt the Saudi's enough to make a difference in the future. There's an old saying, "When someone sues and says, "It's not the money, it's the principle!" -- You can be absolutely sure of one thing: It's the money.)
Obama makes an excellent point that allowing private lawsuits against another sovereign nation would mainly open up the US to retaliation, not fix anything.
But the Saudi record of threatening the world with their money does rub against the grain.
* Ryan said the House needs to 'review' the bill on April 19. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Obama would veto it on the same day.
* The Senate passed the bill about a month later on May 17.
* Also on April 19, Obama flew to Saudi Arabia to play kissy-face with the Saudi royal family.
* Both Sanders and Hillary are on record as supporting the bill. I can't find a thing from Trump except some random tweet that doesn't say anything specific. (Foreign policy by Twitter! What a concept!)
To be clear, I don't support the bill (not that my opinion matters). There are some things that can't be settled by lawsuits and money won't change what happened now or hurt the Saudi's enough to make a difference in the future. There's an old saying, "When someone sues and says, "It's not the money, it's the principle!" -- You can be absolutely sure of one thing: It's the money.)
Obama makes an excellent point that allowing private lawsuits against another sovereign nation would mainly open up the US to retaliation, not fix anything.
But the Saudi record of threatening the world with their money does rub against the grain.
9
And yet it is U.S.-manufactured bombs dropped by Saudi pilots that kill Yemeni civilians.
Skeptical of what I just stated? Well, here's the NYTimes article on it, from April: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/07/world/middleeast/report-ties-us-bombs-...
Skeptical of what I just stated? Well, here's the NYTimes article on it, from April: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/07/world/middleeast/report-ties-us-bombs-...
18
...and US forces that trained the Saudi pilots, US weapons in Saudi hands, and US mechanics that service the Saudi Air Force's planes - the same Saudi Arabia whose royal family funds ISIS.
I have written about the Saudi's before. I find they are responsible for the 9/11 with 15 pilots being from that country. The Saudi's are most dangerous with the strictest Sharia law (violent toward their own and others), spreading the Wahhabi extreme fundamental, religion who see "others" religion as infidels that can be killed if need be. Why the UN we Americans and the EU still see them as friends leaves me stunt.
21
The Saudis. 9/11 doers. Sunnis. Christian haters. Forbid followers of Jesus where Mohammed welcomed them.
While Mohammed the trader could not have won against Big Business, Bankers, and trade monopolists without timely Christian help, after him Muslims split into 2:
Pro-Christian majority led by Fatima, his daughter, to continue his secular Republic and helping the poor and the needy.
Anti-Christian minority led by Umar, his neocon companion, wanting gore, glory, conquest, and colonialism. With strong arm tactics he won. Fatima died/was murdered within 75 days, her mantle was taken up by husband Ali.
Umarite (i.e. Sunni) Kaliphate lived off others. A 10% “ushr” on goods – practically everything that was Christian and moved. 10percentism still thrives to this day in Sunni lands. Tariff is an Arabic word of Kaliphate origin.
Over-populated Europe needed East West trade to survive, Sunnis controlled it. Crusades to free trade, failed (Fatimites – Shia, Alevi, Ismailis, sided with Christians). Then 100 famines in Europe within a century around year 1300. Sunnis starved Christians to half. Sunni terrorism on Christians is 1,400 year old.
In 1453 Sunni Turks took Constantinople, and agrarian Europe. Tariff now useless blocked trade totally. Desperate Christians had to find new routes to Asia ending Sunni monopoly, and 3 Sunni empires – Spanish, Mughal, Ottoman.
Now Sunni Saudi Arabia/ Turkey fund Jihadists to avenge the loss and revive Sunni Kaliphate. Christians beware.
While Mohammed the trader could not have won against Big Business, Bankers, and trade monopolists without timely Christian help, after him Muslims split into 2:
Pro-Christian majority led by Fatima, his daughter, to continue his secular Republic and helping the poor and the needy.
Anti-Christian minority led by Umar, his neocon companion, wanting gore, glory, conquest, and colonialism. With strong arm tactics he won. Fatima died/was murdered within 75 days, her mantle was taken up by husband Ali.
Umarite (i.e. Sunni) Kaliphate lived off others. A 10% “ushr” on goods – practically everything that was Christian and moved. 10percentism still thrives to this day in Sunni lands. Tariff is an Arabic word of Kaliphate origin.
Over-populated Europe needed East West trade to survive, Sunnis controlled it. Crusades to free trade, failed (Fatimites – Shia, Alevi, Ismailis, sided with Christians). Then 100 famines in Europe within a century around year 1300. Sunnis starved Christians to half. Sunni terrorism on Christians is 1,400 year old.
In 1453 Sunni Turks took Constantinople, and agrarian Europe. Tariff now useless blocked trade totally. Desperate Christians had to find new routes to Asia ending Sunni monopoly, and 3 Sunni empires – Spanish, Mughal, Ottoman.
Now Sunni Saudi Arabia/ Turkey fund Jihadists to avenge the loss and revive Sunni Kaliphate. Christians beware.
18
Yes Christians beware, Saudi sponsored terrorists in Syria murdering Christians by the hundreds. Syrian Christians have spoken and support Assad, yet no-one is reporting on this because it won't fit into the narrative our media has been spewing. Saudi makes me sick.
3
I wonder if this was goal of the founders of the UN? More importantly it shows what a sham these international groups are and that their only function is to protect the greedy and rich. They will not protect the rights of smaller communities or any individual. Yet We americans pay large sums of money supporting these groups, committing ourselves to these treaties, which do not protect our individual rights. Kinda goes against our constitution and Bill of rights. Without our money and without our armies these treaties and the rules they make up would not be enforceable. By our money and soldiers I am talking about the small businesses across this nation who pay the majority of taxes and and whose families supply the soldiers. We are constantly being told we are the good guys and we are fighting for our countries freedom but if we are part of this coalition the Saudis lead are we not just as bad as the Saudis?
Folks It is time for a change.....
Chuck from Ohio
Folks It is time for a change.....
Chuck from Ohio
11
Shame ...Shame ..Shame....I thought the UN is better than that...The New generation who is ruling the Saudi Kingdom today is a threat to to the whole world...It is time for a regime change....and this one will result in much better ending unlike Iraq and Libya....
4
(Not Mark) After all the child sex for food scandals? After demonizing Israel constantly? This is exactly what I thought the UN would do.
2
Mr. Ban Ki-moon should have called the Saudis bluff and listed the coalition anyway.
If the Saudis had withheld the money, they would have exposed themselves for what they are.
The UN needs to update itself for the times and remove the veto power of the permanent 5 member nations and elect a strong Secretary General who is willing to confront nations that tries to influence the UN through intimidation.
Mr.Ban Ki-moon may have been more successful if he had had a revamped security council and had show more mettle in dealing with individual member states.
If the Saudis had withheld the money, they would have exposed themselves for what they are.
The UN needs to update itself for the times and remove the veto power of the permanent 5 member nations and elect a strong Secretary General who is willing to confront nations that tries to influence the UN through intimidation.
Mr.Ban Ki-moon may have been more successful if he had had a revamped security council and had show more mettle in dealing with individual member states.
42
It's all about the Benjamins. Amazing what power money has over some people.
8
Why is anyone surprised?
1
I had more respect for Ban Ki-moon than I apparently should have. When I mentioned that I heard he might be running for President of Korea after his UN position, some folks here in Korea just rolled their eyes. I think I now know why.
3
So whats new ! Any one who has taken an interest in the UN has known it to be no more than a Propaganda Forum for the wealthy & powerful. The only purpose it serves is as a tourist attraction.Ban Ki moon has confirmed this assessment.
Good Riddance to bad rubbish.
Good Riddance to bad rubbish.
6
This is not that shocking - given that Saudi Arabia lobbied for - and a got a seat on the UN Human Rights Council (and need I remind you of the Saudi's treatment of members of the LGBT community, women, critics of the regime, or their dealings with Yemen or the fact they behead people with great regularity). We all know Saudi Arabia operates with an oppressive Mideveal mindset and exports a version of Islam that encourages terrorists, but wants to appear as being fair and just.
What this article further highlights is that a UN is a failed institution (also see NY Times op-ed: "I Love the U.N., but It Is Failing"). The UNs time is over -or at least our support of it should be. Our money would be better served helping people here - rather than giving Saudi Arabia's cover for their crimes.
What this article further highlights is that a UN is a failed institution (also see NY Times op-ed: "I Love the U.N., but It Is Failing"). The UNs time is over -or at least our support of it should be. Our money would be better served helping people here - rather than giving Saudi Arabia's cover for their crimes.
4
I've been trying to explain Saudi Arabia must be closely watched as it's government has supported terror for decades and is prone to a coup. The country, which allows public beheadings for criminals is a veil of secrecy in the Middle East. American citizens have been convinced by our government the Saudis are our allies; I don't think so. To coerce the U.N. isn't surprising; and I'm sure it's not the first time, nor will it be the last. Am I surprised the U.N.'s ethics have been compromised - no. The organization has been a complete failure regarding human rights worldwide - child sexual abuse by U.N. peacekeepers in Syria, the Security Council's paralysis regarding the U.S. Soviet rivalry and invasion into the Ukraine. Who really needs the U.N.?
1
We all need the UN. Without it we would have many more wars and a lot less people on this planet.
I never understand this instinctive hate of the UN in the US. Is it some child like angst to give up power? The fear to have to answer to the world for firebombing Tokio or Dresden? The belief that we in the US have reached the pinnacle of human capabilities and governance, so that nobody ever can tell us what to do?
Whatever is is, the UN is seated in the US in New York and no country on earth profited more from the UN than the US who also exerts the biggest pressure on the organization down to the breaking point.
I remember Ted Turner paying 1 billion dollar to the UN because our Congress refused to pay the US dues. "I am aware of our track record"
I never understand this instinctive hate of the UN in the US. Is it some child like angst to give up power? The fear to have to answer to the world for firebombing Tokio or Dresden? The belief that we in the US have reached the pinnacle of human capabilities and governance, so that nobody ever can tell us what to do?
Whatever is is, the UN is seated in the US in New York and no country on earth profited more from the UN than the US who also exerts the biggest pressure on the organization down to the breaking point.
I remember Ted Turner paying 1 billion dollar to the UN because our Congress refused to pay the US dues. "I am aware of our track record"
4
Don't be so harsh on Secretary Moon.
By stating clearly that he was forced to remove the Saudis from the list due to untoward financial pressure, he's giving the issue of Saudi war atrocities much much more attention.
This situation is equivalent to the foolish business owner that sues his customer for a poor Yelp review, thereby ensuring that EVERYONE knows about the review and how awful the business really is.
Well played, Moon, well played!
By stating clearly that he was forced to remove the Saudis from the list due to untoward financial pressure, he's giving the issue of Saudi war atrocities much much more attention.
This situation is equivalent to the foolish business owner that sues his customer for a poor Yelp review, thereby ensuring that EVERYONE knows about the review and how awful the business really is.
Well played, Moon, well played!
126
Bravo Mr. Moon
No one "forced" him to remove the Saudis from the list. Had he not done that it would have come to the public's attention that much sooner. The world knows the Saudis, but does nothing.
I do think the U.N. is important and can do good, even great things. But, it is not a sovereign state and it cannot do everything; it will always be subject to pressure, intrigue, corruption, bias, culture, intimidation, favoritism and everything else part of the human condition. My interests are usually similar or the same as the U.S.'s interests, but not always. I have no respect for the work of groups in the U.N. which contains state members hostile to us or our allies, usually Israel. If not for our ability to veto I'd be completely against our participation in it at all. But, China and Russia can veto as well, and when they do, I usually don't think much of it. I don't pretend this is "fair" of me. It has to do with my values and interests.
But, who doesn't feel this way? The same is true of anyone who gives it any thought.
Of course, the "list" of groups violating child rights is rendered meaningless, if anyone thought it had meaning. Only groups without political power will be on it, guilty or not. I am interested in the murder of children and their use in war, but I have zero interest in the U.N.'s take on it.
But, who doesn't feel this way? The same is true of anyone who gives it any thought.
Of course, the "list" of groups violating child rights is rendered meaningless, if anyone thought it had meaning. Only groups without political power will be on it, guilty or not. I am interested in the murder of children and their use in war, but I have zero interest in the U.N.'s take on it.
That the UN is persuaded by lobbying from "influential" members comes as no surprise.
Israel (which has no influence by itself) has been condemned by the UN more than all other countries combined - even though it is the only real democracy in the Middle East and has been under constant assault from it neighbors since its foundation.
Israel (which has no influence by itself) has been condemned by the UN more than all other countries combined - even though it is the only real democracy in the Middle East and has been under constant assault from it neighbors since its foundation.
58
Which just shows that the UN demonstrates all the fallacies of "multiculturalism", which in fact just produced identity politics, with the power always going to the largest demographic. As Europe will find out by the end of this century.
5
Please be serious. Israel has lost its humanity. And Saudi Arabia is following suit. And both USA and France should be ashamed and not comment at all. They have lost the high ground. Poor Moon, the UN is slowly loosing its relevance to tomorrow! So sad.
4
So it's a democracy - so what. Being a democracy doesn't absolve you of being held responsible for bad behaviour. Oh, wait - you're from the US and of course that is exactly the logic being used. Even the army in Israel now has doubts about the actions of the Israeli government.
1
"...who accused the coalition of indiscriminate attacks against children. Privately, diplomats say such a review could drag on until it vanishes from public memory."
Ah, yes, George Orwell's Memory Hole.
Odd how many organizations, nations and ambassadors are using that little helper nowadays. But as "1984" proved, nothing ever gets forgotten, ever.
Saudi Arabia can dig a lot of 'memory holes' out in the sands of the Empty Quarter, but, truly, no one ever 'forgets' the abuse of a child. Ever. Just ask the Vatican. Just ask the CIA. You see? Even your friends won't forget.
No one forgets abuse and no one ever forgets the next phase: the pressure exerted to shut those mouths up.
Saudi Arabia long ago ran out of believable, soothing phrases to reassure us that it was A-Okay, hunky-dory, why, who would ever think such a thing -?
"It's not our style.
"It's not our culture.
"It is not our spirit to use threats or intimidation."
Sure it is, Saudi Arabia.
Just as it is in our 'nature' to supply you with the weapons that you use to "kill and main" children.
But one good thing has come from this: the knowledge that Saudi Arabia uses the "financing for humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories" as their own specific shiv: Ignore our murder and maiming or we'll let Palestinian children starve.
Well, isn't that special...?
Saudi Arabia, United Nations, CIA, USA, Vatican and all the rest of you out there who think you will be forgotten...?
Never.
We will never forget.
Ah, yes, George Orwell's Memory Hole.
Odd how many organizations, nations and ambassadors are using that little helper nowadays. But as "1984" proved, nothing ever gets forgotten, ever.
Saudi Arabia can dig a lot of 'memory holes' out in the sands of the Empty Quarter, but, truly, no one ever 'forgets' the abuse of a child. Ever. Just ask the Vatican. Just ask the CIA. You see? Even your friends won't forget.
No one forgets abuse and no one ever forgets the next phase: the pressure exerted to shut those mouths up.
Saudi Arabia long ago ran out of believable, soothing phrases to reassure us that it was A-Okay, hunky-dory, why, who would ever think such a thing -?
"It's not our style.
"It's not our culture.
"It is not our spirit to use threats or intimidation."
Sure it is, Saudi Arabia.
Just as it is in our 'nature' to supply you with the weapons that you use to "kill and main" children.
But one good thing has come from this: the knowledge that Saudi Arabia uses the "financing for humanitarian operations in the Palestinian territories" as their own specific shiv: Ignore our murder and maiming or we'll let Palestinian children starve.
Well, isn't that special...?
Saudi Arabia, United Nations, CIA, USA, Vatican and all the rest of you out there who think you will be forgotten...?
Never.
We will never forget.
14
The UN by itself is incapable of dealing with military conflicts, but it has some limited success dealing with humanitarian and environmental challenges. Ban's trade-off reflects that reality, however much I might disagree with it.
13
Mr. Moon should never kowtow to blackmail especially where the rights of children are involved. Shame on them all.
11
Did you read the article. Had Mr. Moon followed through the Saudis would stop humanitarian funds for children elsewhere. So other children should suffer too? Not only would other children suffer from lack of aide but Saudi would not have changed its behavior towards those children it already abuses.
1
The UN is like a puppy chewing on you. It's cute but when you've had enough you just push it away. A tap on the nose and it will go cowering away. The UN is useless and ineffective for making any real change.
8
UN role in Yemen was never constructive! UN encouraged and dealt with coups rebels as legitimate govt & data source! I wonder where was his merciful emotion and moral conscience were in the bombing of hospitals and worship houses done by US in Afghanistan and Russia in Syria. UN is very much in the dirty game of legitimizing region's chaos and enforcing geopolitical and demography through Iranian supported militias.
3
Why does US start wars all over the Middle East when it was the Saudis that funded 911?
62
It was some individual Saudis who funded 9/11, not the Saudi government. You can't go to war over that, morally or legally. Also, with the sorry and notable exception of Bush's idiot war in Iraq, the wars we enter are in areas in which terrorists operate unhindered, or in which we intervene in an existing crisis (e.g., Libya).
3
Mr. Moon should be careful, coalition led by Saudi are so powerful esp since they have the tactical support of western nations, that they may even cut of his pension or smt and he would not be in any position to do anything. There r different set of rules for different people. There have been incidences of maids from India, Sri Lanka, who have been tortured in Saudi Arabia with their limbs cut off but not a word is said against them and nobody dare ever report them for human right voilations.
65
The report says it is "unusually frank admission." But heaven knows what the whole story is.
And does anyone doubt who actually runs and controls the United Nations- the United States, the Saudis, the Israelis.
30
So Israel controls the UN? That's why the UN invariably takes anti-Israel positions? Another example of mindless statements about what Israel faces in trying to deal with threats to its existence.
17
If Israel controls the UN, why have their been more resolutions condemning Israel than the next 5 countries combined? No, the UN is controlled by large voting blocs and unscrupulous actors, notably the Arab and African states.
38
That's shocking news: I always thought the Israelis were so marvelously competent. But according to Simon here, they both control the UN and yet are simultaneously helpless to prevent the Palestinians from upgrading their status, let alone condemnation by committee reports and a perpetual onslaught of anti-Israeli resolutions.
26
What is the point of even compiling a list if inclusion on that list is determined by how much financial leverage you have? The UN is an increasingly worthless organisation.
11
It takes money for a country to keep itself off the list. That is what leverage is about for the UN as well.
This is how countries control the UN through withholding funds and why there's never anti-US statements from the UN. But let's just complain about Trump and his honest comments - that is shocking a honest politician unlike the perfect Hillary.
7
Credibility and trust. Without them, the United Nations will never be able to rise to its raison d'etre. Has the world already forgotten what happened when the League of Nations failed? While geopolitics is indeed very complicated, some of the answers to the question "why do they hate us?" are not.
32
Does anyone have a doubt that the Saudi's play hardball? If they did this article just removed those doubts.
This desert Kingdom is responsible for a lot of misery around the globe, starting with our 911 attacks. These are ruthless nomads with money. I wonder if the world would have been better off if Saddam had taken this country over.
They are not friends and possible are enemies, let us keep a sharp eye on the Saudi's.
This desert Kingdom is responsible for a lot of misery around the globe, starting with our 911 attacks. These are ruthless nomads with money. I wonder if the world would have been better off if Saddam had taken this country over.
They are not friends and possible are enemies, let us keep a sharp eye on the Saudi's.
144
It's easy to sit down and repeat what media has succeefuly planted in your vision but it's rather hard nor expected from you to find out the facts for yourself. It is better to verify what the good guys in your opinion are doing in the world. I am sure facts on grounds will shock you.
2
The Saudis are directly responsible for the hatred that is preached in the madrassas they sponsor around the world! It is that hatred, and the destruction of Iraq by the US, that helped fuel the rise of ISIS and other extremist groups in the ME and around the world!
66
All the more reason to get off of fossil fuels NOW.
14
Saudi regime is the most morally bankrupt, repressive regime in the world along with North Korea and Pakistan. They have a toxic impact on the world. These are the real axis of evil.