Ban Ki Moon tries to awaken the UN

Spencer Platt/Getty Images Ban Ki Moon took office as secretary general of the United Nations yesterday, inheriting an organization sullied by inaction in Darfur and the oil-for-food scandal. But Moon’s toughest challenge may be dealing with the UN bureaucracy. His attempt to call his first staff meeting for 8 am today was allegedly denied: According ...

605148_bankimoon_05.jpg
605148_bankimoon_05.jpg

Spencer Platt/Getty Images



Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Ban Ki Moon took office as secretary general of the United Nations yesterday, inheriting an organization sullied by inaction in Darfur and the oil-for-food scandal. But Moon’s toughest challenge may be dealing with the UN bureaucracy. His attempt to call his first staff meeting for 8 am today was allegedly denied:

According to a UN source, staff informed him that the Korean-style early start would create too many difficulties and he was forced to reschedule his arrival to 9.30 am.

The former South Korean foreign minister has already made two appointments, naming Indian diplomat Vijay Nambiar as his chief of staff and Haitian journalist Michele Montas as his spokeswoman. Other top positions are coveted by Western states, but they will likely be filled by appointees from developing countries.

Despite a rocky start, Ban is already styling himself as the next Tom Cruise:

You could say that I’m a man on a mission, and my mission could be dubbed ‘Operation Restore Trust’ – and trust in the organization and trust between member states and the secretariat. I hope this mission is not mission impossible.

Read More On United Nations

More from Foreign Policy

The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.
The USS Nimitz and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and South Korean Navy warships sail in formation during a joint naval exercise off the South Korean coast.

America Is a Heartbeat Away From a War It Could Lose

Global war is neither a theoretical contingency nor the fever dream of hawks and militarists.

A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, during a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. People sit and walk on the grass lawn in front of the protester and barricades.
A protester waves a Palestinian flag in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, during a demonstration calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. People sit and walk on the grass lawn in front of the protester and barricades.

The West’s Incoherent Critique of Israel’s Gaza Strategy

The reality of fighting Hamas in Gaza makes this war terrible one way or another.

Biden dressed in a dark blue suit walks with his head down past a row of alternating U.S. and Israeli flags.
Biden dressed in a dark blue suit walks with his head down past a row of alternating U.S. and Israeli flags.

Biden Owns the Israel-Palestine Conflict Now

In tying Washington to Israel’s war in Gaza, the U.S. president now shares responsibility for the broader conflict’s fate.

U.S. President Joe Biden is seen in profile as he greets Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handshake. Xi, a 70-year-old man in a dark blue suit, smiles as he takes the hand of Biden, an 80-year-old man who also wears a dark blue suit.
U.S. President Joe Biden is seen in profile as he greets Chinese President Xi Jinping with a handshake. Xi, a 70-year-old man in a dark blue suit, smiles as he takes the hand of Biden, an 80-year-old man who also wears a dark blue suit.

Taiwan’s Room to Maneuver Shrinks as Biden and Xi Meet

As the latest crisis in the straits wraps up, Taipei is on the back foot.