UN snippets

---TBC: I'LL GATHER SOME LATER POSTS HERE TOO FOR SIMPLICITY---

RUSSIA USING VETO TO BLOCK AID TO SYRIAN REBELS - DOES THE VETO BREAK THE UN?

Somewhat shocking or simply realpolitik?

Russia was pressured into agreeing to a UN motion to deliver aid into Syria without the government's permission at the time it was invading the Crimea and hosting the Sochi Olympic Games. Now it has used it's Vero to block 3 of 4 routes agreed in the UN, with the last up for a security council vote next week - and likely to be vetoed, possibly causing mass starvation. (Guardian)

Perhaps an example of the UN at its most AND least effective? Are the vetoes the problem? The USA routinely uses its veto, and diplomatic threats/pressure, to block resolutions favourable to Palestine or critical of Israel (and for many green policies). It's seen as a failure of diplomacy when countries use their veto; many votes are scrapped when it's clear this will happen, though equally some are forced to cause diplomatic embarrassment to the vetoing power.

Here's a useful Wiki on the veto. This is a decent summary:

The veto power is controversial. Supporters regard it as a promoter of international stability,[2] a check against military interventions,[3] and a critical safeguard against US domination.[4] Critics say that the veto is the most undemocratic element of the UN,[5] as well as the main cause of inaction on war crimes and crimes against humanity, as it effectively prevents UN action against the permanent members and their allies.[6]