Iraq

The UN in Baghdad was attacked yesterday.

Sergio Vieira de Mello was one of at least 20 people killed in the bombing.

He will be sorely missed.

Some very good people died, people who offered much to the world and had so much to offer still.



By whom? Iraqi freedom fighters? What could they possibly gain... it was clear that Sergio de Mello was working towards the UN having the leading role, towards Iraqi self-rule. He was on the side of the Iraqi people.

External fighters from countries such as Saudi Arabia? What would they gain... if they came to fight "the great Satan" their choice of target could hardly have been poorer, most of the people killed in the UN building were not UK or US nationals.



Why? Was it because the UN was in the unique position of falling under an occupying force and not in charge of putting things to order themselves? Is this the result of losing their position of independence and as such seeming to ally themselves with occupiers?

Was it because of the oh so carefully worded UN resolution, welcoming the Governing Council? Was that seen as tacit approval of the US/UK invasion? Was that seen as legitimising the Council?



We may never know.

The results are unclear too.

The UN say they will stay... but I believe there has to be a change. It is clear, they are at risk here. Being cordonned off from the Iraqi people by US soldier guards, bristling with weapons and issued with itchy trigger fingers, is unacceptable. Being unguarded, is unacceptable too.



Best thing that I can come up with, is that the US hand over the operation to the UN.

As many voices have called out for a long time now.

They wont, though.

Not untill hell freezes over.

Or someone else is elected over there.



It has truly been a bad day for the world.