Nice job

The confirmation yesterday of Bill Clinton's appointment as a UN special envoy to countries affected by the Boxing Day tsunami is welcome. The former president will, no doubt, ensure the rest of the world does not forget about the reconstruction effort in South Asia. Looking ahead, there is no reason why Mr Clinton should not put himself forward as a candidate for UN secretary general when Kofi Annan retires next year. Despite the opposition such a move would provoke from some in Washington, it would be good for both the US and the UN. It might even begin to heal the rifts opened by the calamitous invasion of Iraq.

The confirmation yesterday of Bill Clinton's appointment as a UN special envoy to countries affected by the Boxing Day tsunami is welcome. The former president will, no doubt, ensure the rest of the world does not forget about the reconstruction effort in South Asia. Looking ahead, there is no reason why Mr Clinton should not put himself forward as a candidate for UN secretary general when Kofi Annan retires next year. Despite the opposition such a move would provoke from some in Washington, it would be good for both the US and the UN. It might even begin to heal the rifts opened by the calamitous invasion of Iraq.