UN Reforms - Saudi walkout

"In an unprecedented about-face, the Kingdom abruptly changed its mind about taking one of the Council’s 10 non-permanent seats in protest at its failure to respond decisively to conflicts such as the Syrian civil war." - Independent, UK

The only unprecedented part of the action here is the boldness of the move taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Whether intended or unintended.. It has brought to center stage several questions which have been repeatedly taken up in the past.

There has been a long standing demand for 'reform' in the way the UN and especially UNSC works.

Today UNSC has very much become the fiefdom of US. US uses its ability to provide both military and economic aid to garner votes that it needs to push its own foreign policy. Some states trade their votes in the for U.S. aid, while others even do it for favorable World Bank decisions.

At other times, countries simply try to avoid or abstain from voting to avoid stepping on the wrong side of US.

Besides, as a non-permanent member, Saudi Arabia would have had little power to affect votes given that five states (the U.S., China, France, the U.K. and Russia) have veto power (the ability to block any resolution). This does not reflect the changing realities of the day. There has been a long standing demand for democratization of the UNSC with the clause for veto removed or more nations inducted in this exclusive club.

The Saudi decision has provided a stage upon which UN reforms can be given a kick start. This opportunity should not be lost.