Suchergebnisse

"Bewertungen von Deutschlands Amtszeit im UN-Sicherheitsrat 2011 und 2012 kreisen zumeist um seine umstrittene Libyen-Enthaltung. Doch jenseits dieser Entscheidung blieb Deutschland ein verlässliches Mitglied im westlichen Block. Es zwang den Rat dazu, sich mit neuen Bedrohungen und Menschenrechtsfragen zu beschäftigen. In Bezug auf die Syrien-Krise führte dies zu Differenzen mit einigen nichtwestlichen Staaten. Während ein ständiger Sitz für Deutschland nicht näher gerückt ist, kann es auf eine quasi 'semi-permanente' Mitgliedschaft durch regelmäßige Wiederwahl hoffen." (Autorenreferat)

One year after Kofi Annan presented his six-point plan for ending the Syrian civil war, it can only be called a failure. But it is necessary to recall the situation facing the UN-Arab League envoy and his team in early 2012. The Syrian conflict had created serious tensions between the major powers. A Western military intervention appeared unlikely but could not be ruled out with absolute certainty. This commentary contends that Annan's initial priority was to reduce the level of uncertainty inside and outside Syria, thereby creating a framework for political talks. However, in lowering the level of uncertainty, Annan reduced his own leverage as the Syrian government correctly concluded that it would not be punished for failing to cooperate in good faith. The commentary concludes that there are occasions where it is advisable for international mediators to maintain and exploit a degree of uncertainty about how a conflict may develop.

What has happened to peacekeeping under Ban Ki-Moon? When Ban bid for a second term as Secretary-General of the United Nations in June 2011, the performance of peace operations on his watch was an important part of the public case for his reelection. Inattention to Ban's oversight of peace operations is striking because the number of military and police personnel involved has hit record highs during his tenure, approaching 100,000. Adapted from the source document.