Another Battle Looms

By Ayman Okeil

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as US Permanent Representative to United Nations in New York. At 40 years old, she is one of the youngest leaders in Republican Party, having been elected to Congress in 2014 just before her thirtieth (30th) birthday. Stefanik has consistently supported the Israeli government and has taken critical stances against the United Nations, making her selection suggest potential confrontations between United States and the international organization.
Stefanik has publicly criticized UN, accusing it of anti-Semitism due to its condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza and its opposition to illegal settlements in the West Bank. She has called for a review of US funding for the UN and has supported cutting American assistance to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). These positions indicate a likelihood of heightened tensions between US and UN. This sentiment is echoed by Republican Representative Mike Lawler, who congratulated Stefanik, stating that she would confront perceived anti-American sentiment within the UN and hold its opponents accountable.
However, I believe that the most concerning aspect of Stefanik appointment is the pressure she may exert to prevent the selection of a new independent Secretary-General. Current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, is in office until 2026, and although it is premature to speculate on his successor, it is likely that new Secretary-General will align with the interests of the White House, particularly given the policies that Stefanik will advocate in Trump administration. I anticipate that by mid-2025, as candidates for Secretary-General position are announced, another confrontation will arise between United States and United Nations, marking the beginning of a new battle between the two entities. I hope this does not undermine remaining hopes for preserving the integrity of the international organization, which is already struggling to maintain its significance.