Open to Debate UN Efforts in the Middle East: Helping or Hurting?
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Mar 14, 2025 Richard Gowan, a non-resident fellow at NYU's Center on International Cooperation, and Hillel Neuer, Executive Director of UN Watch, dive into the UN's role in the Middle East. Gowan argues that UN forces act as critical buffers in the Israel-Palestine conflict to prevent escalation. In contrast, Neuer challenges this view, claiming the UN's actions often lack neutrality and exacerbate tensions. They explore the effectiveness of UNRWA and peacekeeping forces while debating their impact on regional stability and humanitarian issues.
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UNRWA's Role and Controversy
- UNRWA provides social services to Palestinians, including education and healthcare.
- However, its impact is debated, especially after revelations of some UNRWA personnel's involvement in the October 7th Hamas attack.
UN's Essential Functions
- The UN plays a vital role in humanitarian aid, assisting 30-40 million vulnerable people in the Middle East.
- It also has security and diplomatic functions, such as peacekeeping and sanctions against terrorist groups.
UN Hindering Peace
- The UN's efforts often hinder peace in the Middle East, particularly in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- UNRWA perpetuates Palestinian dependency and promotes anti-Israel sentiments, while the UN General Assembly disproportionately criticizes Israel.