UN Chief Admits Security Council Paralysis, Criticizes Global Body's Inaction
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged the paralysis of the UN Security Council, effectively admitting a crisis within the international organization. In an interview with the Financial Times, Guterres stated that the "old world order" is giving way to a multipolar reality that risks dangerous confrontation if international institutions do not adapt. The article, citing Maariv, notes that the Security Council has been losing status and influence for nearly two decades, citing instances like Libya, Syria, and Lebanon holding non-permanent seats and presiding over council sessions without addressing critical issues in their own countries. The Security Council has also failed to hold official meetings on Russia's aggression in Ukraine, due to Russia's veto power as a permanent member. Similarly, the United States reportedly obstructs discussions on conflicts it is involved in.
The author criticizes Guterres's leadership, suggesting he will be remembered as one of the least effective UN Secretaries-General, lacking significant political impact compared to his predecessors Kofi Annan and Ban Ki-moon. Guterres's approach is described as "absurd," often calling for restraint from all parties in conflicts, which the author equates to seeing no fundamental difference between the Israeli government and Hamas. While previous secretaries-general also criticized Israel, the author contends Guterres has shown hostility, particularly after the October 7th attacks.
The upcoming UN General Assembly session is expected to be largely symbolic, with the article highlighting a perceived "automatic majority" against Israel in UN votes. The author uses a hyperbolic example of a resolution on the Earth's shape being voted down. This alleged bias is attributed to anti-Israel sentiments within the foreign ministries of member states. Furthermore, the article points out that despite being a long-standing member, Israel has never served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, a situation the author deems a disgrace to the UN rather than Israel.
