To the Point

United Nations Reform

The United Nations is under bombardment by charges of sexual harassment, corruption and failure to maintain peace. Wealthy nations are threatened by terrorism and weapons proliferation, while poor countries are trying to overcome poverty and disease. As the world body turns 60, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says this could be the last chance to restore the UN's credibility and effectiveness. Should the UN establish guidelines for the use of force? Should it focus on ending world poverty? Does it still have a role in the Age of terrorism and pre-emptive action? We look at his proposals to expand the Security Council, rebuild the Commission on Human Rights and re-define terrorism with journalists, critics and UN officials. Making News: Schiavo Case Goes to Florida Legislature, Federal Appeals Court Now that a three-judge federal appellate panel has refused to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, her parents have asked the full 11th Circuit to take up the case. Meantime, the Florida state legislature is running out of time to amend state law. Political scientist Susan MacManus, author of Florida Politics: Ten Media Markets, One Powerful State, says many Republican legislators see the case a lose-lose issue. Reporter's Notebook: Is it All Over for Barry Bonds? In last week's Congressional hearing into steroids in major league baseball, Barry Bonds of the Giants was the man who wasn't there. With only 12 more home runs needed to surpass Babe Ruth and 53 to overcome Hank Aaron, 40 year-old Bonds emerged from the spring-training clubhouse on a crutch. He told sports reporters, "You have finally brought me and my family down." Tom Verducci, senior baseball writer for Sports Illustrated, picks up the story.