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Pendergast · Oct 9, 2006, 03:24 PM

Ban Ki-Moon, the man poised to be the next United Nations secretary general, is set to inherit an organization that's been termed a "symbolic power" at a critical stage in its 61-year history. The United Nations could look a lot different when he's finished.

The UN is in reform mode as it recovers from the oil-for-food Iraq scandal. It also faces questions on whether it is relevant in a world that has become so divided among political, economic and ideological lines. And for the first time in more than 30 years, an Asian is set to head the United Nations as the region touts its emerging and powerful role in world affairs.

Great things could happen, or more of the same passivity.

I am really looking forward to see a South Korean at the helm of the UN in the context of a potentially more aggressive North Korea.

A Chinese proverb says: "May you live in interesting times."

Indeed...

Dakar · Oct 9, 2006, 03:31 PM

For some reason I read that as 'poisoned'

Chuckit · Oct 9, 2006, 03:32 PM

At least it will be convenient for Kim Jong-il to literally thumb his nose at the UN.

Naaaaak · Oct 9, 2006, 06:19 PM

Kofi Annan is terrible. Anyone else should make the UN less passive.

Millennium · Oct 9, 2006, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by Pendergast

A Chinese proverb says: "May you live in interesting times."

It's not a proverb: it's a curse, and a rather dreadful one at that. Or at least, that was its original use.

Chuckit · Oct 9, 2006, 06:54 PM

Actually, nobody can find the original Chinese curse. It's apparently an American saying that's supposed to refer to a Chinese curse.

Pendergast · Oct 9, 2006, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Millennium

It's not a proverb: it's a curse, and a rather dreadful one at that. Or at least, that was its original use.

I think we can make what we want with it, although I was not aware it was a curse.

But that may not be so far from the truth after all.

itai195 · Oct 9, 2006, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Actually, nobody can find the original Chinese curse. It's apparently an American saying that's supposed to refer to a Chinese curse.

I believe it was in a JFK or LBJ speech in the 60s and that's why Americans are so fond of it nowadays.

finboy · Oct 10, 2006, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Chuckit

Actually, nobody can find the original Chinese curse. It's apparently an American saying that's supposed to refer to a Chinese curse.

Origin of Phrase: May You Live In Interesting Times

A little clarity. I've read it written down before the early 50s, though. I hate the phrase.

Kevin · Oct 11, 2006, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by Naaaaak

Kofi Annan is terrible. Anyone else should make the UN less passive.

D. S. Troyer · Oct 11, 2006, 12:27 AM

I like Chinese tea more than Kofi.

Kevin · Oct 11, 2006, 12:36 AM

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaayooooooo

Spliffdaddy · Oct 11, 2006, 01:10 AM

It's gonna be tough to find another person as good as Kofi.

As good at swindling money, that is.