UN Secretary General’s failures show he is unworthy of Tipperary peace prize

I object to the selection of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for the Tipperary International Peace Prize. It is untimely and misplaced.

Here’s why:

1. The Syrian War. Its resolution has been prevented by veto powers at the UN, and the Secretary-General has failed to confront Russia, China, the USA, and Arab nations for abandoning Syrians to the tyranny of President Assad.

2. Despite the military coup, brutality, and persecution by Egypt’s dictator, President El Sisi, the Secretary-General has been silent.

3. The 51-day bombardment of Gaza by Israel, to which the Secretary-General was slow to respond and quick to forget.

4. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, for which the Secretary-General has taken little action to intervene.

5. The spread of violent jihadi groups, for which the Secretary-General has failed to gather heads of state or religious leaders in response.

We cannot expect one man to solve all conflicts or problems in the world, but the leadership of the Secretary-General is vital in speaking the truth, opposing abuses of power and people, and in intervening before small problems become insurmountable turmoil.

John-Paul O’Driscoll

403 Harvest Loop,

Prattville, AL

USA