LONDON -- Can the United Nations continue to be a credible force for world peace?
Political leaders of states represented on the U.N. Security Council, whether they are for a war on Iraq or against, have been arguing that unless their views prevail the U.N. will lose credibility. This is not necessarily the case.
The U.N., formed after the end of World War II, was initially composed of the countries that had cooperated to defeat the Axis powers. They called themselves "united" but in fact they were deeply divided. All were, however, conscious that an effective international organization was needed to help to keep the peace.