Wash My Mouth With Soap

I dread having to say this it but it seems that Allan Rock is talking common sense these days:

During an annual debate on the question of Palestine, Mr. Rock said Canada will vote Wednesday against two key resolutions on which it has abstained in the past, lining up with the United States, often the only major power to defend Israel at the United Nations.

"We believe that the time has come, especially given the renewed hope for the peace process, to evaluate the efforts that all of us make at the United Nations to determine if they could be redirected towards more constructive outcomes," Mr. Rock said.

...

Mr. Rock said General Assembly resolutions on the Middle East are "often divisive and lack in balance" because they condemn Israeli violence but play down attacks against Israeli civilians.

"References to Israeli security needs are often overlooked in the General Assembly. Repeatedly emphasizing Israel's responsibility under international law obscures equally important responsibilities of other parties to the conflict."

It is nice to see that Canada is finally standing up for fairness and common sense when it comes to UN resolutions against Israel. Israel isn't perfect and in no way deserves a free pass when it comes to it's actions. The UN though must realize that it won't be able to recover it's reputation until the one sided comdemnations of Israel stop.

The UN appears to be coming apart at the seams. There are calls for Kofi Annan's resignation, Canada is finally starting to show that it has a backbone, the Security Council looks like it will receive a makeover, and the oil-for-food investigations continue.

I wonder if these are indications that the UN cares enough to try and save itself? Or perhaps these are final gasps before it becomes totally irrelevant? It will certainly be an interesting couple of months for Kofi and the gang.

crossposted at The Shotgun