U.N. Envoys Sound Off on Bolton’s Departure

Staff / Truthdig Dec 5, 2006 John Bolton, having announced his retirement as U.N. ambassador, didn't get much love Monday, particularly from his colleagues at the United Nations. One Security Council member, speaking anonymously, had this to say about the notoriously cranky diplomat: "People here are not against the United States, but I think the United States lost a lot of things because of Bolton's tactics." Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

United Nations Secretary-General Saddened by Iraq War

Staff / Truthdig Dec 4, 2006 As he prepares to leave office after 10 years, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan spoke to the BBC about his sorrow at not being able to prevent the war in Iraq, and described the violence there as "much worse" than civil war. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bye-Bye Bolton

Staff / Truthdig Nov 10, 2006 U.N. envoy John Bolton's recess appointment is unlikely to stand now that the Democrats have taken over Congress. Although Bush has asked the outgoing Senate to rush through a confirmation, good news is doubtful for the controversial and cantankerous diplomat. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The End of the World as We Know it

Staff / Truthdig Oct 17, 2006 Mohamed El Baradei cautioned on Monday that as many as 30 nations could rapidly develop nuclear weapons. The International Atomic Energy Agency chief warned that countries are "hedging their bets" by developing peaceful nuclear programs that could provide the necessary technology and material for weaponization. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.N.: Gaza at the Breaking Point

Staff / Truthdig Sep 8, 2006 Sealed borders, regular military incursions and poor quality of life have brought Gaza to the breaking point, a UN official has said Karen Abuzayd, head of the U Relief and Works Agency, also warned that current tactics for dealing with Gaza have failed to inspire a spirit of compromise among Palestinians, and instead foster anger and resentment. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.N. OK’s Peacekeeping in Darfur

Staff / Truthdig Sep 1, 2006 The U.N. Security Council has approved plans to create a peacekeeping force in Darfur, but will not deploy the troops until Sudan agrees. The force of up to 22,500 would "replace or absorb" the 7,000 African Union soldiers whose mandate expires Sept. 30. (h/t: Think Progress) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.N. Denounces Israel for Use of Cluster Bombs

Staff / Truthdig Aug 30, 2006 UN experts have found over 100,000 unexploded cluster bomblets throughout Lebanon The cluster bombs, most of which were dropped in the last 72 hours of the conflict, continue to injure and kill Lebanese civilians (Also: What is a cluster bomb? ). Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Italy Bails Out France

Staff / Truthdig Aug 22, 2006 Italy's prime minister has tentatively offered to take the leadership role in Lebanon's peacekeeping mission with a deployment of 3,000 troops. France, which was to lead the mission, has offered only 200 troops after expressing concern over the force's mandate. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Lebanon Postpones Crucial Cease-Fire Meeting

Staff / Truthdig Aug 14, 2006 The Lebanese cabinet has indefinitely postponed talks on the implementation of the impending cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. According to the BBC, ?the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament and its military presence in southern Lebanon continues to cause major tensions within the fragile government.? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Lebanon Cease-Fire to Start Monday

Staff / Truthdig Aug 13, 2006 The cease-fire in Lebanon will take effect Monday morning, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has announced. Israel and Lebanon agreed to the timing during a meeting with Annan on Saturday. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Breakthrough! Hezbollah Sets Conditions for Agreement

Staff / Truthdig Aug 12, 2006 Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah (above) said his Islamic militant group (and political party) will abide by the UN cease-fire resolution but will continue fighting as long as Israeli troops remain in south Lebanon With the US, the U, Israel's Olmert, Lebanon's parliament and now Hezbollah's leader all on board, all the pieces of the peace puzzle seem to be in place. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Israel Nearly Triples Troops Ahead of Cease-Fire

Staff / Truthdig Aug 12, 2006 Rather than ramping down in advance of the just-agreed-upon U.N. peace deal, Israel and Hezbollah have instead continued slaughtering each other. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )