| I think one of the fundamental weaknesses of the UN is its policy of neutrality while intervening in civil conflicts. Although the UN would obviously be criticised for disobeying a key part of its charter previous experience shows that when the UN intervens in an ongoing civil war and maintains a neutral posture it is not effective. For example, 1961 UN mission to Congo was definitely not neutral. UN forces stopped Katanga province from separating from Congo, which could have destabilised the whole region. UNPROFOR also highlights the brutal repercussions from maintaining neutrality. Only when Nato airstrikes were deployed and a bold military and political strategy was adopted that a cease fire was obtained. |