UN authority continues to unravel as more countries back US-led forces in Iraq

Despite continued opposition from the United Nations and "Old Europe," the United States is leading a growing international military presence in Iraq, with troops from at least 21 countries. The UN’s insistence on usurping command from the US is chipping away further at the world organization’s influence and ability to carry out its own mandates.

The assassination of a prominent Shi’ite cleric in Najaf who cooperated with US and Coalition authorities has delayed deployment of international forces under Polish command in that city, but the delay has highlighted the nature of the growing military presence from around the world.

Australia, Poland and the United Kingdom have been in combat alongside US forces since the beginning of the liberation of Iraq. The US Marines will transfer control of Najaf to Polish troops this month.

Armed forces from Spain and Ukraine will serve in Najaf under Polish command – as well as a contingent of soldiers from El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua who are among the world’s most experienced at defusing land mines.

The UN leadership, France and others continue to demand that the United States relinquish command in favor of a UN-led force – a stubborn position that is becoming a self-inflicted wound. Russian President Vladimir Putin now says Moscow would back a UN resolution to place an international troop presence in Iraq, even under American military command.