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Sat 04 Apr 2007Assessing AnnanCurrent AffairsTwo books examine the former UN secretary general's difficult tenure Joseph Stalin once put the question: "The Pope? How many divisions has he got?" The same could be asked about the United Nations secretary general. Responsibility without power aptly describes the position of the world's top civil servant. Real authority lies with the "permanent five" on the Security Council - China, France, Great Britain, Russia and the US. Not only do they hold perpetual membership and veto powers over resolutions, but council decisions are binding on all member-states. The P5 also have plenty of armed divisions, although they tend to be wary about sending their soldiers on UN duty.