In a column published in The Washington Post, one Democrat and one Republican, said the UN Security Council should approve a new resolution authorizing the necessary security, humanitarian, reconstruction and political missions.

"Securing the United Nations' endorsement would give political cover to leaders from allied countries whose people oppose the war, allowing them to justify their participation -- including financial participation -- in building the peace," wrote Senators Joseph Biden and Chuck Hagel, both members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

"It also would open the door to NATO, the European Union and the World Bank," they said.

Senator John Warner, a Republican who cheads the Armed Services Committee, said the US-led forces should take responsibility for security while giving other responsibilities to the United Nations.

"Its oil-for-food programs, the reestablishment of a currency, the medical needs, the refugee needs -- there's a whole range of things that the UN can do," Warner told ABC television.

SPACE.WIRE