Giuliani's views on the UN.. what do you think?

Question

In an October 1, 2001 speech before the United Nations in New York, Mayor Giuliani said that New York City truly reflected the United Nations: "Just go outside for a walk in the streets and the parks of New York City. You can't walk a block or two blocks in New York City without seeing somebody that looks different than you, acts different than you, talks different than you, believes different than you." Then he said that in order for the United Nations to remain relevant, it had to unequivocally oppose terrorism, and now: "The United Nations must hold accountable any country that supports or condones terrorism. Otherwise, you will fail in your primary mission as peacekeeper. It must ostracize any nation that supports terrorism. It must isolate any nation that remains neutral in the fight against terrorism."

Answer 1

Bearing in mind that I believe that last statement was a soundbyte in preparation for this Presidential run...

I agree with him. But I'm confused as to why it seems like the U.S. is the only nation in the war on terror.

Answer 2

While Giuliani's stance is laudable, It's more campaign rhetoric than a realistic outlook at world affairs. We should know by now from Bush's misadventures that nothing in foreign policy is black and white. The Saudi royal family turns a blind eye towards terrorism unless it threatens their absolute power, and yet we continue to support them. Are we ready to take the Saudis to the UN Security Council, which would raise oil prices past $100 per barrel? Not likely.

Your question brings up a broader issue of Giuliani's foreign policy. As we learned in high school government class, the President is the United States' Chief Diplomat. Unfortunately, Giuliani on the diplomatic scene is like a bull in a china shop. While he deserves kudos for the achievements of his mayoral administration, he also deserves criticism for his absolute inability to play nice with others who do not share his views/goals. If he cannot get along with his family or his fellow New York politicians, how will he get along with sophisticated foreign leaders? At least Bush can somewhat compensate for his disastrous policy by being a personable back-slapper/shoulder-massager. Giuliani's complete dearth of diplomatic insticts is disturbing.

Unless Giuliani floats the name of a experienced, well-respected and regarded diplomat to be his potential Secretary of State, I'm not sure I can vote for him.

Answer 3

I totally agree.
Some detractors say why does the USA have to be the police of the world. Well like it or not , someone has to. And yes peacekeepers is what the UN is supposed to be about. At least in part. But they are so inept at it.
When the UN starts doing more than writing resolutions that they dont enforce then maybe things can change.

Answer 4

All the UN bashing in any form is like blaming a car for not going anywhere while the drivers are in the backseat sleeping.
All people should realize the UN is but as strong as its members and especially the members of the security council.They have the keys of the car!Blaming the UN for things is a very cheap political move

Answer 5

He's absolutely right and the UN has ignored him as it ignores all hot spots in the world. It sits idly by as Darfur decends farther into Hell. It makes resolution after resolution about Isael's agression and doesn't address the agression the Palestinians project on Israel and themselves. It complains about Israel's borders and won't address Mexico's illegal crossings into the US. It supports the likes of Mugabe, Chavez, Ahmedinijad, and Castro.

Answer 6

I agree with him, but I still think the UN has worn out its welcome and should be disbanded.