UN should ‘police’ Iraq

The United Nations Security Council, and the five permanent members (US, UK, France, Russia, China), need to be seen to take decisive action in relation to ISIS activities in Iraq.

The council needs to deploy a United Nations peacekeeping force, with the approval of the Iraqi government, to protect the people from ISIS.

Any deployment of a UN force can only take place at the invitation of the host government.

UN member states must agree to contribute manpower and equipment to the mission.

I am familiar with the politics of this matter (having served more than 30 years with United Nations peacekeeping operations).

The UN Security Council needs to be seen to take firm action, without delay, to protect the lives of innocent civilians.

Michael A Moriarty

2 Landsborough Close

Rochestown

Cork