India, April 24 -- Even as the Gulf war slowly turns into a war of egos and a load of baloney from everyone involved, one reality stands out - the diminished relevance of the United Nations in the entire drama. The first time I heard about the UN was in school, where we had annual examinations that I took, not knowing for what reason. It, however, gave me an overview of the organisation, which I felt was very impressive even at that young age - a league of nations instituted to prevent future wars. Schools now conduct model UN simulations to help students learn more about its functions and principles, but it makes one wonder, to what end all the understanding if the organisation itself stands powerless and peripheral in the face of mindle...