One proposal I have raised is the idea of the General Assembly holding a Special Session (they have had quite a number, including a fair number specifically focused on Israel) on the Occupation of Iraq. Here, the opinions of the world would not have the US or elite global media to act as umpire, and the Islamic World would have its properly significant say. I have been asked to draw up a model resolution that an NonGovernmental Organization could pass on the subject of calling upon the UN (sent to Kofi Annan and to various NGOs if one or some pass the resolution). I know there are some really sharp minds here, and I am looking for some input on the resolution -- of which I will post a draft here within the next few days, for revision, and critique -- not from those who consider it radical and antiAmerican or petit bourgeois selling out to 'softcop' imperialism or heterodox or whatever, but from those who basically agree with the idea and want to sharpen its presentation. I've never really drafted anything like this before. I think this open process is closer to a Democratic forum than something off the top of my inexperienced head. As for the idea that would be the basis of the resolution BY A OR SOME NGOs CALLING FOR A SPECIAL SESSION, the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the Iraq Occupation could do the following: * Convene, usually just prior to the opening of the General Assembly (GA) in September. At this point we would be aiming for September 2006. (Sooner would be better but doubtful). But a vote of the General Assembly approving the idea while Kofi Annan is still in office would be the key step * Bring together all the nations of the world to address an issue that, in its total implications, is truly a global crisis. There have been several UN GA Special Sessions on the crisis in Israel, including especially the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Although many would see the GA Special Session as a lot of hot air before the TV cameras, it is the only forum really of its stature where nations of the world could gather that is truly independent of the United States. Although I am an American, I am concerned about the status of this country as a "rogue superpower", mindful of the problematic nature of the latter in the contemporary world. *The GA could gather, and pass resolutions of various statements or actions, such as: -- condemnation of the war as contravening international law and the need for world peace -- establish a standing body, to coordinate ongoing work of the GA on this issue, and specifically to oversee some kind of high commissioner or other officer charged with seeking to bring an end to the conflict. This figure -- we'll call him an "antiOccupation czar" would among other things seek to open channels of dialogue (direct or indirect) with the resistance forces and the Coalition of the Willing (CoW). At first, possibly the SG, if still Kofi Annan, might be a liaison if, as expected, the US is hostile to the idea. On the other hand, if Kofi is gone, there are probably national representatives who could act as a mediator with the US (including a group of nations on the Security Council) Opening up a dialogue, even establishing some kind of formal representation and a specific officer to address the political issues of the occupation would be a major step * The GA could outline various parameters of the transition period themselves -- no CoW forces, option by referendum of Iraqi people to exclude CoW nations from any contracts, some kind of regional representative government, and would solicit some kind of demands in addition to US withdrawal for the resistance. What would a post-occupation Iraq look like? Has anyone drawn up an outline of how it would be run if the CoW pulled out? *The GA could prod the Secretariat to take a more active role, and could also prod the Iraqi government (unlikely, but the call would be important) to hold a referendum of the Iraqi people on whether they desire the continued occupation by the CoW. Other issues about the Special Session were discussed at: http://www.tpmcafe.com/comments/2005/6/14/102544/133/44#44 I am not sure I stand by all the suggestions I made there. (These comments are all rough drafts). But certainly the Special Session and the body & officer it could create could solicit possible pledges from other countries (the UnWilling) to a post-occupation Iraq, try to get support for a post-occupation peace force and other transition issues, make clear the international community's full support should Iraq choose to nationalize its oil, etc. The main thing is for the Special Session to both try to find various pieces in the 'jigsaw puzzle of peace' as I like to call it, and to publicize the issues in ways that do not find a hearing in the mainstream media (MSM) in the US, and provide a focal point for the peace movement to break through the MSM 'shell' on this issue and try to reformulate the debate in US public opinion