A little humble pie?

International | IRAQ: War opponents at the United Nations relish a "unilateral" president coming hat-in-hand for assistance in stabilizing Iraq. Bush says a Democratic Iraq will need "the help of friends" | Bob Jones

Talk about a tough audience. President Bush went to the United Nations on Sept. 23 to urge the world body to take a bigger role—but still a backseat—in the rebuilding of Iraq. With critics like Jacques Chirac of France and Gerhard Schroeder of Germany looking on impassively, the president vowed to forge ahead with a timetable for democracy that was suited to the needs of the Iraqi people and "neither hurried nor delayed by the wishes of other parties."

Everyone in the hall knew exactly which "other parties" he meant. France has demanded that the United States begin to turn over power immediately, and ensure complete self-rule in six to nine months. "In Iraq, the transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis, who must have sole responsibility for their future, is essential for stability and reconstruction," Mr. Chirac told the General Assembly shortly after Mr. Bush stepped down from the podium.