Thursday, November 25, 2004

If Annan is Out at the UN, Who Should Replace Him? Havel? Tutu?

Dishes done, kitchen cleaned up, more of this and that...

Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit has been pressing the case for Vaclev Havel as the next UN Secretary General. Others have taken up the call. Havel is an interesting suggestion, but I have another. If Kofi Annan truly is on his way out, here are my thoughts on those who tout President Clinton for the SG position and my alternative to Havel.

I agree that under current circumstances the chances of Bill Clinton becoming Secretary General range from slim to none. One reason clearly is that as long as the US remains the prevailing superpower of the world, no American will be selected as SG. I can't say that this is a bad idea. US interests are too far-flung, our power too great, and our influence too pervasive for the international community to entrust the SG position to one of our number.

Furthermore, the UN will want to stay free of domestic US politics. With Mr. Clinton's wife likely to make a bid for the presidency (or to at least be touted for the office), I don't see the international community wanting him as SG. I also think that the US would squelch such a move.

Vaclev Havel is an interesting possibility.

Others might include former Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Particularly in light of the recent scandal regarding the sexual misconduct of members of UN peacekeepers in Africa, Tutu could be a great choice. In addition to being a courageous Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he is a man with a reputation beyond reproach. His work as leader of reconciliation in South Africa following the dismantling of apartheid marks him as a notable statesman.

While Tutu is of a more advanced age than Havel, he might serve a helpful interim term at the UN, helping to restore its integrity and reputation.


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