Reading exercise: At 80, is the UN still relevant?

What event sparked renewed questions about the UN's relevance?

• A global climate summit

• A Middle East crisis involving the US and Iran

• A humanitarian mission in Africa

• A nuclear deal with North Korea

During the recent US strikes, what role did the UN play?

• Led peace negotiations

• Was barely mentioned or consulted

• Approved the military action

• Sent peacekeepers to Iran

What part of the UN was supposed to give approval for military action?

• UN General Assembly

• UN Security Council

• International Court of Justice

• World Health Organization

Which doctrine was revived by the US airstrikes on Iran?

• The Obama Doctrine

• The Monroe Doctrine

• The Bush Doctrine

• The Trump Doctrine

What is Article 1 of the UN Charter mainly about?

• Maintaining international peace

• Funding member states

• Electing UN leaders

• Enforcing economic sanctions

What is one major weakness of the UN Security Council mentioned in the article?

• Too few meetings

• Power held by only five veto-wielding countries

• Lack of funding

• No military support

What role has Singapore played in UN reform efforts?

• Founded small-state groups like FOSS and 3G

• Joined the P5 nations

• Left the UN

• Opposed all reforms

According to PM Lawrence Wong, what should the UN anniversary inspire?

• Celebration of past achievements

• Efforts to reform and strengthen the UN

• A new UN anthem

• A stronger UN military

What does the word "indictment" most likely mean in this sentence? "The resounding silence is perhaps the harshest indictment imaginable..."

• Suggestion

• Surprise

• Strong criticism

• Apology

What does "relegated" most likely mean in this sentence? "...relegated to the status no serious diplomatic player wants: bystander..."

• Promoted

• Protected

• Nominated

• Downgraded