U.S. Joins U.N. Rights Council

The U.S. has finally joined the club. In a reversal of Bush administration policy, the U.S. has been elected to a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council as part of President Obama's plan to reengage the world. During the Bush years, the U.S. rejected a seat on the council due to the membership of other countries with poor human rights records, as well as a perceived bias against Israel. The council has faced much criticism for its focus on Israel, as well as its failure to produce a substantial condemnation of the atrocities in Sudan. Other members on the council include Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia.