The London Times informs us today that UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has struggled with depression and might quit his United Nations post over the continuing and deepening scandals surrounding his leadership of the world debating society. The report seems like an attempt to paint a sympathetic portrait of a man torn by circumstances between his career and his family rather than the natural progression of the revelation of Annan's incompetence and corruption:

KOFI ANNAN, the United Nations secretary-general, is said to be struggling with depression and considering his future. Colleagues have reported concerns about Annan ahead of an official report this week that will examine his son Kojo’s connection to the controversial Iraqi oil for food scheme.

Depending on the findings of the report, by a team led by the former US Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, Annan may have to choose between the secretary-generalship and loyalty to his son. ...

One close observer at the UN said Annan’s moods were like a “sine curve” and that he appeared near the bottom of the trough. ...

“Kofi Annan is going to find his position increasingly untenable,” said Nile Gardiner, an expert on the UN at the conservative Heritage Foundation. “There is a strong possibility he will resign voluntarily because of his declining credibility.”

In the end Annan’s feelings may be more decisive than the facts.

What a ludicrous conclusion! It has always been about Annan's "feelings", since the UN has steadfastly shown that the assembly intends to do nothing about holding Annan accountable for the multitude of corruption and abuse uncovered during his leadership. The only two ways Annan would leave his post early were either by resigning or dying, a fact everyone knew after the revelations of the Oil-for-Food Program in 2003 and the multiplying sexual abuse scandals in 2004.

The Times report makes it sound as if Annan's only concern involves protecting his son. His son certainly plays into Annan's problems, but the latest revelation about Kojo -- the massive hidden payments -- only have an impact because of the simultaneous exposure of heretofore secret meetings Kofi had with Kojo's bosses, one in his Turtle Bay offices. The covert nature of the meetings and the timing of the payments make it clear that Cotecna hired Kojo for access to the highest levels of the UN, and that they didn't suffer any disappointment for their efforts.

Perhaps Annan truly suffers some depression over his low state, but he fully earned his position. As Michelle Malkin notes, he has a handy way to start atoning for his corruption and incompetence: he can leave as soon as possible.

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» Annan Depressed from Don Singleton
Instead of appointing John Bolton as US Rep to the UN, let's push for him to take Annan's place, and REALLY clean that place up [Read More]

Tracked on March 27, 2005 1:35 PM

» spilled Kofi from Cao's Blog
Captain Ed reported about Kofi bumming out over his own incompetence. AWWWW. Let's get him a hankie and the rest of the world some sensitivity training so we don't hurt the guy's feelings because we think he's done a rotten job. It has always bee... [Read More]

Tracked on March 31, 2005 5:18 AM