What really strikes me about this is that the moral case for war is exactly the same regardless of what the UN says. I made this argument in a panel discussion at the International Studies Association's meeting in Portland this past Sunday and was just amazed that many in the audience didn't see it that way. These people, most of whom have doctoral degrees, study international relations for a living. They're supposed to be methodical analysts. And yet they have a near-religious faith in the UN. Granted, most of those arguing the other side were Europeans. But it does speak to the strange, mystical legitimacy that a UN resolution carries. I don't get it.

I concur with James. Somehow agreement makes it all ok.

Further, in regards to the main post, the irony is that the French are the ones working the hardest to make the UN powerless, whether they understand it or not.

Maybe if Chirac wore his ruby slippers and clicked his heels three times while saying it, the UN would matter outside it's own walls. But I wouldn't bet money on it.