Observers are calling on the United Nations to mobilize sanctions against Hezbollah, after a European Union decision earlier this month saw the bloc blacklist the Iran-backed terror group.

The move was broadly criticized for creating an untenable distinction between the group’s military wing and its so-called political wing. The Wall Street Journal called it a “half-victory.” Hezbollah figures subsequently echoed the claim that there is no distinction between the organization’s military and political hierarchies, a position that has long been asserted by Hezbollah figures.

Nonethelss some analysts are pointing to the precedent set by the E.U., and asking why other international bodies aren’t following suit:

All of which raises the question: Where in this scene is the erstwhile defender of global peace and security, the United Nations? While Europe has been wobbling its way toward the current half measures, the UN has confined itself to the occasional hollow statement, condemning from time to time the carnage resulting from Hezbollah’s activities, but omitting entirely any sanctions on Hezbollah itself.

Surely it’s time the U.N. Security Council at least entertained a debate over the walloping case for branding Hezbollah as a pariah organization, and placing it under U.N. sanctions. While the U.N. itself has no clear definition of terrorism, the Security Council has the authority, should its members choose to exercise it, to target specific terrorist organizations. The U.N. did this years ago with al Qaeda.

[Photo: BDS2006 / Wiki Commons]