U.S.officials say they are in a better position to mediate and press for the resolution of difficult issues while the United States has a sizable military force in Iraq.

VOA: standard.2009.12.12

Minority Leader Trent Lott, R-Mississippi, said he wants the Senate to vote on a resolution of force soon.

CNN: Senate Democrats wrestle with Iraq

Friday, Bush turned up the heat on Democrats, lashing out at the suggestion that Congress ought to wait for the United Nations to act before approving a resolution of force against Iraq.

CNN: Senate Democrats wrestle with Iraq

But a resolution endorsing the use of force would almost certainly run into a veto.

ECONOMIST: Saddam defies the UN, again