It appears to be physically impossible to get a straight answer to that question, but I feel obliged to bring it up.

What current situation in Iraq would be improved if suddenly the U.N. was in charge?

Now, if the cynical goal is to just make sure the body bags contain Frenchmen instead of Americans, just say so. You'd at least have a case.

How is the U.N. doing in Bosnia? What's happening with the U.N. in Rwanda? How's that reactor in Iran coming along? Where IS that oil-for-food money?

Of course, the real reason people bring up the U.N. is that it is a liberal "worship word," that makes one sound mature, broad-minded, internationalist, and not at all jingoistic. It also gains you the immediate love of the media, who will write stories about you. Only Republicans who speak against Bush are greeted by the media with more joy.

Zinni is still more sensible than a lot of people I've heard from*, and some of his other points are good ones, like the comment about Iraqis.

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*Some are advocating bringing Iran and Syria in on the peace process. < Jack Palance Voice >Believe it, or not.< /Jack Palance Voice >