Can do Quote by Bashar al-Assad
“Everybody knows that the United Nations is not the Secretary-General; he has an important position, but the United Nations is the states within this organization, and to be frank, most of the people say only the five permanent members; this is the United Nations because they have the veto, they can do whatever they want and they can refuse whatever they want, and if there's a reform that is very much needed for this organization.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on UN Power Dynamics, 2020
The UN’s real power lies with its member states, especially the five permanent members who hold vetoes, limiting the Secretary‑General’s influence and highlighting the need for reform.
In simple terms: UN power is in the states, not the Secretary‑General.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the limits of institutional authority.
Themes
politics
international relations
power structures
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- policy advocacy
- UN reform proposals
Key Concepts
veto power
institutional reform
state sovereignty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can smaller nations increase their influence?
- What reforms could balance power without destabilizing the UN?
A Different Perspective
The veto can also protect minority interests, complicating calls for change.
![“The other thing we did as government is to open gates for the civilians to leave that [ eastern part] area [in Aleppo], and at the same time for the humanitarian convoys and help to go through those gates inside that part of Aleppo, but the terrorists publicly refused any solution, so they wanted…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/bashar-al-assad-1027_areas_the-other-thing-we-did-as-government-is_37737.jpg)
![“This war [in Syria] is going to support Al-Qaeda and the same people that killed Americans in the 11th of September. The second thing that we want to tell Congress, that they should ask and that what we expect them to ask this administration about the evidence that they have regarding the chemical…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d71/bashar-al-assad-1027_administration_this-war-in-syria-is-going-to-support-al_74280.jpg)
![“I will tell [Barack Obama] very simply : present what you have as evidence to the public, be transparent.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dea/bashar-al-assad-1027_barack_i-will-tell-barack-obama-very-simply-pre_91133.jpg)
![“[Enemies of Syria] are the enemies of the people and the enemies of God. And the enemies of God will go to hell.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8d6/bashar-al-assad-1027_devil_enemies-of-syria-are-the-enemies-of-the_95144.jpg)
![“[It is important] to have stability and to have security, which means humanitarian equals fighting terrorists. You cannot talk about humanitarian aid and supporting the terrorists at the same time. You cannot, you have to choose.” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c33/bashar-al-assad-1027_aids_it-is-important-to-have-stability-and-to_110406.jpg)
