Indeed, the problems Ambassador Bolton will face during his first few months on the job include the crisis in Darfur, the ongoing Iraq War, Lebanon's efforts to assert its independence from Syria, the possibility of the Security Council's having to deal with Iran's nuclear program and the upcoming Volker report on possible corruption in the UN oil-for-food program.

NPR: Ambassadors React to Bolton Appointment

Ken Davies, Uganda's country director for the UN's World Food Program, explains.

NPR: Child Soldiers Fight Forgotten War in Uganda

In that connection, another reason for the exodus of Western companies from Iraq -- over and above the looming threat of military conflict -- has been a new rule put in place regarding the UN-approved oil- for-food program.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy