Two Things Dubious Yet Hopeful

Posted by Jeremy Brown
File these under things we’d like to believe but are reluctant to, though it is nevertheless a hopeful sign that the words are even being spoken (you’ll have to write small to fit this on the file tab):
The first dubious yet refreshing thing:

The UN should be reformed to make intervention in failing states easier, a commission is set to recommend.
[…]
A year ago, in the wake of the international divisions over Iraq, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warned the UN was at a “fork in the road”.
He said the organisation had to review its fundamental policies in order to address the increasing threats of global terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and nuclear proliferation.
He asked a panel of 16 veteran diplomats and politicians, chaired by former Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, to examine ways the UN should be reformed.
The route the panel is set to advocate is much more interventionist, moving away from the UN’s traditional emphasis that it cannot meddle in the internal affairs of a member state.
[…]
The panel wants member states to accept a new obligation – a “responsibility to protect” their own citizens.
If they failed to do so, then intervention by the Security Council would be much more likely than under current UN procedures.

The second item, which I would like to think is more reflective of reality (via Harry’s Place):

The Palestinian Authority leadership has ordered PA-controlled media to stop all incitement against Israel and Jews, the London-based Arabic daily A-Shark Al-Awsat reported Monday.

The order also pertains to video clips, songs and music videos which call for the continuation of the armed intifada, the paper reported.