The UN's grasp is closing on ICANN as reported by the Beeb. Here are some quotes:

In the face of opposition from countries such as China, Iran and Brazil, and several African nations, the US is now isolated ahead of November's UN summit.

All emphasis is mine. China and Iran. What a lovely pair to manage the Internet. And several African nations have access to the Internet? I assumed it would only be South Africa and maybe Egypt. Seriously though, aren't there bigger problems in Africa than who runs the Internet?

"We have no intention to regulate the internet," said Commissioner Reding, reassuring the US that the EU was not proposing setting up a new global body.

Rather she talked of a "model of cooperation", of an international forum to discuss the internet.

I'm really disturbed by the words of Commissioner Reding. Words like "no intention to regulate the Internet" and "model of cooperation" sound like empty promises to me. If the former was true then why not leave the Internet the way it is? As for the latter, a discussion forum needs no power. In fact the ICANN could setup an online forum in a matter of minutes. Is that OK?