President Bush spoke to the United Nations Tuesday, asking for help in the rebuilding of Iraq after weeks of pressuring countries within the United Nations to provide troops and funding for the U.S.-led reconstruction.
\The nation of Iraq needs and deserves our aid and all nations of goodwill should step forward and provide that support,"" he said.
Bush cited the recent attack on the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad as reason for broader-based U.N. involvement in Iraq.
He acknowledged the disagreement over the decision to invade and occupy the country and said the United Nations could move forward.
""There remains unity among us on the fundamental principles and objectives of the United Nations,"" he said.
The administration faces an uphill battle, however, in convincing other countries to send in troops and contribute money to a country that has been stricken with guerrilla attacks.
Germany has offered to aid with the training of police and military forces, as it did with Afghanistan, but has refused other requests from the administration.
""We will not send troops to Iraq,"" said German embassy spokesperson Martina Nibbeling-Wriessnig.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has hinted that Russian troops may be deployed to the region but only if the United Nations has a real and not a decorative role.
The contents of the speech came as little surprise to many, as Bush reiterated his administration's stance on Iraqi reconstruction.
Daniel Chirot, professor of international studies at the University of Washington, described the speech as a clear statement of American policy.
""The U.S. wants help from the U.N. but doesn't want to let go of the leading role in reshaping Iraq,"" he said.
He added that it was unlikely any major countries will contribute soldiers or much funding, stating the fact that the United Nations has no real pool to draw manpower from.
""The U.N. has men only when various countries contribute, and no major power will contribute soldiers to help the U.S.,"" he said.
Matthew Rothschild, editor of the Progressive Magazine in Madison, criticized the president for his dealings with the United Nations.
""He used the United Nations as a form of convenience, only going there when he wants something from it,"" he said.
Rothschild added that the speech was a cut and paste job, similar to rhetoric given before the war in Iraq.
