UN needs a global policeman

United Nations peacekeeping needs to be reexamined, but we should focus on where the problem lies, namely the long-term policy of the United States (``Peacekeeping Fatigue Sets In as Risks Rise for UN Troops,'' Jan. 4).

It is to this nation's credit that our people will not support sending US military forces to deal with every international crisis. We do not want to become an imperial power. But that means that the UN must be given the means to act on its own when the global interest requires it. There is a need for a ``global policeman.''

If the US and NATO don't want that role, let's equip the UN to do it. Such a change would include a better means of decisionmaking, such as a weighted voting system in both the General Assembly and the Security Council, plus some reliable source of income for the UN other than just contributions from national governments.

It would also mean the establishment of a permanent UN police force rather than relying on contingents from national governments, which understandably must always consider their limited national interests.

The world community is moving from being a collection of independent states to being a true global economy. The UN needs to take account of that significant transition, and the US should be leading this effort. Ronald J. Glossop, Edwardsville, Ill. Professor and Coordinator of Peace Studies Southern Illinois University

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