Look-alikes?

Yes. Yes. Yes. 9.5 out of 10 for the Staff News article on staff security.

In the article, Nigel Fisher points out that, in the eyes of extremists, the UN might be “seen as little different from the US and its policies”.

Only by extremists? That multi-national UN staff is easily mistaken for representing one single country and its policies is bad enough and a – perhaps avoidable – risk. That we are even mixed up with an occupation force is deeply troubling.

For extremists have and continue to come out of zones of failed conflict management. The UN has been struggling to assist in conflict resolution. Struggling, not because any of those conflicts are absolutely irresolvable, but perhaps also because - in the eyes of some or many - the UN is not seen as much different from one of the protagonists?

(17 September 2004)

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