Sandman, I'm like an onion. Every time you think you're there, there's still another layer.
Qts, it HAS changed. The UN can be the "policeman on the block" now. I've been hearing how the EC is ready to step up to a leadership role... I'm certainly ready to let them.
I think quelling those minor disturbances in the Gaza strip would be a great place to start. There's all those other opportunites you mention as well.
Since the US has consistently "screwed the pooch" on everything since '45 .. and since we're a bit worn out with some problems at home to fix... it's best to send in some fresh faces to solve all the world's problems.
It isn't the same. This isn't the post-war world, this isn't the Cold War world. This is the new reality.
OK, guys, you've got it! Show us what you can do!
(BTW, think you folks could manage the Northern and Southern Iraq no-fly zones for a while? The US and the Brits have been doing that for nigh on to 10 years now. Perhaps someone else could give our equipment and our pilots a break? Thanks in advance! Or maybe we should just end the zones?)