According to an article in the British Sunday Times, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is having problems with depression and is considering resigning his post as UN Secretary General:

KOFI ANNAN, the United Nations secretary-general, is said to be struggling with depression and considering his future. Colleagues have reported concerns about Annan ahead of an official report this week that will examine his son Kojo’s connection to the controversial Iraqi oil for food scheme … Depending on the findings of the report, by a team led by the former US Federal Reserve chairman Paul Volcker, Annan may have to choose between the secretary-generalship and loyalty to his son … “Kofi Annan is going to find his position increasingly untenable,” said Nile Gardiner, an expert on the UN at the conservative Heritage Foundation. “There is a strong possibility he will resign voluntarily because of his declining credibility.”

Annan is serving his second five year term, which began in January 2002. Former US President Bill Clinton and current Chilean President Ricardo Lagos in the past have expressed interest in the position. However, it is generally considered to be Asia’s turn to fill the post, although no announcement has been made. I personally would prefer Clinton over any foreign leader for the sole reason that he at least has loyalty to the United States and acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of the United Nations in resolving conflicts pertaining to American interests …