"So far, only a small percentage of the funding for 2013 has been received, limiting the ability of U.N. agencies and their humanitarian partners to reach people who desperately need help, " the U.N. office said this month.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

All it usually takes is the ability of ambitious U.N. bureaucrats to put together a conference.

FORBES: Keep An Eye On The U.N.

By reducing the number of U.N. personnel on the ground, the ability of hostile forces to take hostages or to retaliate is also reduced, and capability to use air power is enhanced, according to U.N. spokesman Lt.

CNN: U.N. troops attacked leaving Gorazde

The situation is nearing crisis proportions, with the dramatic influx of refugees threatening to break the ability of host nations to provide for their needs, Assistant High Commissioner Erika Feller told the U.N.

CNN: U.S. to provide food, medicine to rebel Syrian fighters