UN Back to Iraq

More good news from Iraq:

Earth Times reports that Iraq and the United Nations signed "a landmark agreement for reconstruction, development and humanitarian assistance."


We've cleaned out the bad neighborhood, time for the international social workers to come in. This is another positive milestone that shows our military efforts are bearing fruit. The international community getting involved gives it a stake in the country's success, which means the bad-mouthing and sniping from them should slow down.

"The strategy signals a real moment of opportunity in Iraq, with greater stability, a clear will to recover, a growing UN presence and better access to many areas," said David Shearer, the UN's humanitarian coordinator for Iraq.

"We plan to see faster implementation on the ground and stronger policy guidance in Baghdad." Iraq's Minister of Planning and Development Cooperation Ali Babab, said the agreement represents an important step in Iraq's recovery process. "It brings the whole UN organization together in partnership with Iraq and its people, to reduce poverty, foster growth and consolidate democracy in our country," he stated.

I slam the UN all the time, but this is the kind of feel-good stuff they are good at: Rebuilding societies and their institutions, fostering political and social reconciliation, handing out medicine and aid. But they can't do it without our military success. We should be proud, even if they give us no credit.

So we should wholeheartedly support the UN's efforts in Iraq. Just keep them away from the women and children... and any deals involving oil or food.