UN security council

By Benedict Moran in Middle East on January 24th, 2012
Syrian protesters have called on Russia to changes its position in the Security Council [Reuters]

By Benedict Moran

Sunday’s Arab League proposal may breathe a gust of fresh air into the hallways of the UN Security Council, which has been long deadlocked on the issue of Syria.

Western countries in the 15-member body, including the UK, France, the US, and Germany, have long backed strong condemnation of what they perceive as a blatant violation of human rights in the country, and seek sanctions or an arms embargo as punitive action against Damascus.

Russia, and to various degrees China, India, and South Africa, have opposed involvement, saying the West is overstepping its bounds and is interfering in the sovereign affairs of a state.  They have continued to call for political dialogue.

In part, the deep divisions over the role of the international body stem from a degree of regret that some members feel since it mandated international intervention in Libya.  

By Marwan Bishara in Imperium on September 21st, 2011
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted 690 different resolutions on matters dealing with Palestine [EPA]

Failure to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and Israel's 40-year occupation, in the words of UN former Secretary General Kofi Annan, would "continue to hurt the reputation of the United Nations and raise questions about its impartiality".

By Kristen Saloomey in Americas on March 22nd, 2011
Photo by Reuters
It was an unusually undiplomatic moment outside the UN security council chamber, and a sign of tension within. 
The Council had just decided not to hold an emergency meeting on Libya.
 
Russian ambassador Vitaly Churkin was on his way out the door when he publically chastised the spokesperson of another country for speaking to a group of reporters. (I can't tell you which country because conversations at this stake-out are supposed to be off the record, but Western diplomats routinely brief reporters in this informal setting).
 
"Double check with your ambassador," Churkin shouted at the spokesperson. "It's really impolite and rude.
By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on March 21st, 2011
Photo by AFP

As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from our correspondents, news agencies and citizens across the globe. Al Jazeera is not responsible for content derived from external sites.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on March 17th, 2011

As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from our correspondents, news agencies and citizens across the globe. Al Jazeera is not responsible for content derived from external sites.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on March 4th, 2011

As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from our correspondents, news agencies and citizens across the globe. Al Jazeera is not responsible for content derived from external sites.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 26th, 2011

As the uprising in Libya continues, we update you with the latest developments from sources, news agencies and citizens across the globe. Al Jazeera is not responsible for content derived from external sites.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 25th, 2011

As the uprising in Libya enters its twelfth day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 24th, 2011
[Photo: Reuters]

As the uprising in Libya enters its eleventh day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

By Al Jazeera Staff in Africa on February 22nd, 2011
Protesters chant anti-government slogans in Tobruk [Reuters]

As the uprising in Libya enters its tenth day, we keep you updated on the developing situation from our headquarters in Doha, Qatar.

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