... it's a complex problem that will not yield to a simple solution.

Regarding the oppressive regimes in coutries like Afghanistan... I think the UN is going about it's role the wrong way. Currently, AFAIK, membership is conditional, and countries can and do leave the UN for whatever reason. The problem with that is that it then becomes a type of club. Why is this a problem? Because it wants to enforce good behaviour in all countries the world over.

A solution would be to deny no-one membership of the UN, or, to put it another way, abolish membership rules. All nations in - no exceptions. This would make UN membership a responsibility, not a privilege. It would make it easier, then, for the UN to criticise countries that ignore the global ramifications of their decisions and actions. Like Afghanistan.

Wade.