The United Nations Security Council - what are your views?

[porterjack]

there is much hand wringing going on in the corridors of power in Ottawa as Canada seeks a seat on the UN Security Council. We have never to date failed to be elected to this council. Critics of our govt will inevitably point to current conservative govts "poor" record on foreign policy if we do not get elected

we are up against Portugal

I was interested to read that the UN security Council is the only UN body whose decisions are binding, other rulings made by the UN can be and often are ignored by member states

The permanent members of the Security Council are the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China. The council also includes 10 non-permanent members. Germany just got elected to the council to occupy one of the non perm seats, Canada is seeking similar. I dont like the idea of permanent members on such a crucial policy forming body

what do you think?




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[Azazel]

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[Kyle B]

Honestly, the only countries in the secuirty council that matter are the permanent ones. For the most part, they're developed, have the largest militaries, and will commit the troops. I have no problem that they're permanent, because, honestly, I don't want the UN making decisions regarding war without the consent of nations such as the US, UK etc.

On the other hand, the elected members of the UN allow some balance and consent from other nations, which I agree with.

Overall, I like the system the way they have it.

 

[porterjack]

Honestly, the only countries in the secuirty council that matter are the permanent ones. For the most part, they're developed, have the largest militaries, and will commit the troops. I have no problem that they're permanent, because, honestly, I don't want the UN making decisions regarding war without the consent of nations such as the US, UK etc.

On the other hand, the elected members of the UN allow some balance and consent from other nations, which I agree with.

Overall, I like the system the way they have it.

i understand the US and UK and even China with the number of troops, but what right would France have over other countries

 

[Zorak]

Rather have Portugal than Canada, they're a fine ally to us

 

[porterjack]

Rather have Portugal than Canada, they're a fine ally to us

see this is the concern the Canadians have

Europeans sticking together - some countries wanting membership of the EU will back Portugal in exchange for portugals support into the EU

 

[porterjack]

i just heard

we dropped out, looks like Portugal gets in

this is a black eye for Canadian foreign policy

 

[Kyle B]

i understand the US and UK and even China with the number of troops, but what right would France have over other countries

Well, that's the thing. Many have raised the question of who should be a permanent member. The current permanent members have their positions because of their role in the establishment of the UN. Countries such as India and Germany for example, believe that they should have a chance at becoming permanent members.

The problem is, if the status of the permanent members is changed, you'll have problems. The powerful nations of the world like the US and China won't cooperate with a security council decision if they don't have a say in it.

On the other hand, if you allow too many nations to become permanent, than it's no longer an exclusive body.

 

[porterjack]

Well, that's the thing. Many have raised the question of who should be a permanent member. The current permanent members have their positions because of their role in the establishment of the UN. Countries such as India and Germany for example, believe that they should have a chance at becoming permanent members.

The problem is, if the status of the permanent members is changed, you'll have problems. The powerful nations of the world like the US and China won't cooperate with a security council decision if they don't have a say in it.

On the other hand, if you allow too many nations to become permanent, than it's no longer an exclusive body.

Both India and Pakistan have nukes, i would be listening to them

 

[Zorak]

Both India and Pakistan have nukes, i would be listening to them

I refer you to your earlier point about France then, they have more nukes than those two combined.

 

[porterjack]

I refer you to your earlier point about France then, they have more nukes than those two combined.

maybe Canada need some nukes

 

[Accountable]

The UN should be disbanded.

 

[Guyzerr]

The UN should be disbanded.

:homo:

 

[Accountable]

 

[porterjack]

The UN should be disbanded.

care to expand?, whilst i suspect i will agree for the most part I always welcome the opportunity to learn from others perspectives

 

[Peter Parka]

I cant understand why the USA and their allies in the war against terrorism are in it. They do whatever the hell they want regardless of UN approval anyway. Seems kind of pointless to me.:dunno

 

[Accountable]

care to expand?, whilst i suspect i will agree for the most part I always welcome the opportunity to learn from others perspectives

I cant understand why the USA and their allies in the war against terrorism are in it. They do whatever the hell they want regardless of UN approval anyway. Seems kind of pointless to me.:dunno

That pretty much makes the point. Nations are sovereign. No one is under UN jurisdiction. If they were a toothless organization of philosophers making recommendations, then that would be one thing, but for them to presume to dictate to otherwise sovereign nations, for unelected diplomats to make national policy, that is a completely different matter.

 

[porterjack]

That pretty much makes the point. Nations are sovereign. No one is under UN jurisdiction. If they were a toothless organization of philosophers making recommendations, then that would be one thing, but for them to presume to dictate to otherwise sovereign nations, for unelected diplomats to make national policy, that is a completely different matter.

these unelected diplomats dare not move without govt approval, they speak for their elected govts

 

[Guyzerr]

I cant understand why the USA and their allies in the war against terrorism are in it. They do whatever the hell they want regardless of UN approval anyway. Seems kind of pointless to me.:dunno

That's one of the main reasons I'm opposed to it.