Crisis and Credibility at the U.N.

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It’s now become a very public question over the fate of U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan — should he stay or should he go?

A recent report on the U.N.’s Oil for Food scandal, indirectly faults Annan for not recognizing and acting on a conflict of interest between himself, his son and a Swiss company with a multi-million dollar U.N. contract. The release of the report has prompted new calls for Annan’s resignation from here in the U.S. and abroad.

When asked if he would resign Annan said, “Hell No.” And his defenders insist he remains the right man to lead the organization and push for reforms from within. But others say he has lost the moral force and standing to transform the U.N. and that his continued presence is hurting the organization. Kofi Annan and the questions about corruption and credibility.

Guests:

John Ruggie, former assistant Secretary General and chief advisor to UN Secretary Kofi Annan

Andrew Thompson, senior medical officer, United Nations Medical Service

Constanze Stelzenmueller, defense correspondent for Die Zeit.