Al Baradei effect irradiates the US

Washington’s opposition to the re-election of IAEA director is unfair and unhelpful

Several countries are becoming increasingly impatient over North Korea's and Iran's failure to comply with treaties covering the development of nuclear energy, but the man who presides over the agency which monitors such activities continues to keep faith with diplomacy. Over the past few months, Mohammad Al Baradei, director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has had to draw on all his negotiating skills because he has faced increasing pressure from the United States for quicker, more decisive action over the issue.

In fairness to Al Baradei, it must be said that his recommendations to the UN Security Council, following his extensive contacts with the North Koreans and Iranians and also the South Koreans have not met with the responses he had hoped for. Which is why US opposition to his re-election for another term as the head of the UN's nuclear watchdog is both unfair and unhelpful. The sensitive negotiations, especially with North Korea and Iran, demand a person who, while being well versed in the issue, has been able to conduct negotiations with both governments in an atmosphere of mutual respect. Given the enormity of the task, only a seasoned diplomat will be able to carry it through. The kind of diplomat the international community has come to respect in Al Baradei.