Tragic Setback For UN In Haiti

It's hard to select the most unsuccessful of the UN's current peace missions, but Haiti would certainly be near the top of the list.

Whereas our forces deposed Saddam Hussein in a couple weeks, after two years in Haiti, UN Peacekeepers have done little to stabilize the country: Violence still reins, the economy is in shambles and an upcoming election has been postponed four times ... so far.

Against this context, the UN now must deal with the apparent suicide of Gen Urano Teixeira Da Matta Bacellar, who has lead the Peacekeepers since last September.

The UN Haiti mission's mandate expires in February. With this setback, it is even less likely that the UN will accomplish much of anything by then.