The UN may be able to force Myanmar to accept aid by invoking a "responsibility to protect" clause.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told reporters on Wednesday that the United Nations recognized in 2005 the concept of "responsibility to protect" civilians when their governments could or would not do it, even if this meant intervention that violated national sovereignty.
Wow, so the UN can go into a country to "protect the civilians" even if it violates national sovereignty. I agree that the people in Myanmar need aid and that the government is making it difficult, but the power of the UN really disturbs me.
That sounds just like the power hungry S.O.B.'s
Just like child protective services. "We know what's best for you, and we will come in and take your children to protect them from you."
Remember, the government loves us all. President Bush suckles us. :rolleyesb:
It's wrong and scary, but the UN doesn't go anywhere or do anything. They use money from governments (often tax money stolen from US citizens) and troops from a willing state (US, Canada, Europe if we'll pay our own way--Africa, Asia if the US, Canada, Europe don't want to sent their own people), and blue helmets that say UN.
Without the willingness of governments worldwide to prop up the sham that the UN is a real international organization, the whole scheme would fail.
The UN is creepy, and the junta of Myanmar is incredibly stupid.
It's debatable as to whether the people who are in charge in Burma can be considered a legitimate "government" though. It's more like an extended spate of bullying that no one has really stood up to.