...the competence and integrity of the United Nations seems to be a myth...

As opposed to the competence and integrity of what...our government? All institutions are flawed. If the US made a real comittement to helping the UN fulfill it's promise, do you not think we could be a positive influence?

Incidentally, as far as "finance" goes, the U.N. has no money. Look around. Who's got the wallet? In fact, who has had the wallet for the U.N. for decades?

Yeah I know. Comes out of my pocket too. :-)

But if such an arrangement existed, it's possible that nations like Iran and North Korea would have no credible reason not to turn to the UN for their nuclear power needs.

America is arrogant and uncooperative because we're at or near the top of the foodchain, but that's going to change. We should prepare for a future where we'll have no choice but to cooperate because we won't be able to bully others into doing what we want anymore.