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The UN describes itself as ‘a global forum where countries can raise and discuss the most difficult issues, including problems of war and peace’. Saving lives that would otherwise be taken in wars is the big-ticket item; the reason the body was formed. So, 75 years on, how would the UN be graded in terms of achieving those five tasks?
It's like the plot of a John Le Carre novel: A former double agent found unconscious on a park bench; allegations Mother Russia poisoned him with a secret nerve agent; diplomatic repercussions. Before assuming life imitates art, it would be well to check our facts, not least because stumbling into war with a nuclear power is a silly thing to do.
I don't think for one minute that Abbott, in saying it was time to 'move on' from the Tent Embassy, meant it should be ripped down. The ensuing riot occurred because 'moving on' is an imponderable phrase, a synonym for sticking one's head in the sand.
With no hint of regret or apology, John Howard has defended his decision to join the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He gives no consideration to the just war criteria. This is not surprising, as on all these principles the case for a just war fails.
The negotiation of a nuclear-weapon-free zone is the only non-proliferation initiative to have been accepted by all Middle East states, including Israel. Why has it taken 30 years? Because Egypt, Israel and Iran have competing reasons for promoting the idea.
Western nations are tightening the noose around Iran’s neck for its nuclear recalcitrance. Meanwhile, Israel lashes out at guerrilla forces embedded in civilian populations in Lebanon, electing not to use its unacknowledged nuclear weaponry, on this occasion.
Encouraging the North–South relationship offers the best hope for North Korea and the world
Tony Blair was in trouble. Grey-faced, uncharacteristically faltering, he could only reiterate under siege in the press, on television and in parliament that the Weapons of Mass Destruction which had convinced him to take Britain to war really did exist and would be found.
Letters from Marilyn Shepherd and Brent Howard
The following is an edited text of an address given by Frank Brennan SJ as part of the Jesuit Lenten Seminar Series 2004.
Reviews of the films The Station Agent, The Passion of the Christ, The Fog of War and Irreversible.
In this edited extract from the 2006 Manning Clark Lecture, ‘5 R’s for the Enlargers: Race, Religion, Respect, Rights and the Republic’, Frank Brennan focuses on respect.