U.S. Weighs U.N. Command in Iraq, but with a Condition

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 — The Bush administration signaled for the first time today that it might be willing to allow a multinational force in Iraq to operate under the sponsorship of the United Nations as long it was led by an American commander.

The idea was described by the deputy secretary of state, Richard L. Armitage, as just "one idea being explored" in discussions at the United Nations. Such a plan was first described publicly last week by the United Nations secretary general, Kofi Annan.

Still, Mr. Armitage's remarks signified an important shift in course for the administration, which has until now insisted that all military, economic and political matters in Iraq remain under American control. By allowing the United Nations to assume more authority, the United States would be aiming to win the support of the Security Council for a new mandate authorizing the American-led occupation of Iraq.

In his remarks, Mr. Armitage declined to discuss details of the plan, saying, "I don't think it helps to throw them out publicly right now." But he described the plan as "a multinational force under U.N. leadership" in which "the American would be the U.N. commander."

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http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/27/international/worldspecial/27CND-DIPL.html?hp

"*" is, I am sure, wimpering in the corner begging for someone to get him out of this situation and protect his phony baloney job.